In the world of cinema, where high school tropes are often rehashed, director Emma Seligman breaks the mold with her latest creation, “Bottoms.” This audacious teen comedy embraces the unconventional, featuring PJ and Josie, two “ugly, untalented gays” who establish an after-school fight club with the sole aim of pursuing cheerleaders. It’s a movie that punches conventions in the face, with teachers reading porn magazines in class, characters pretending to be “empowered,” and a soundtrack that brings back the nostalgia of Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated.”
The journey of bringing “Bottoms” to the big screen was far from easy. Seligman and co-writer Rachel Sennott, who also stars as PJ, conceived the idea six years ago. Rejected by numerous studios, it finally found a home with Orion Pictures, a studio that understood its unique appeal. Seligman recalls, “If you signed on to do this movie – whether you were financing it, an actor, or part of the crew – you knew what you were getting into.”
The film’s era deliberately remains vague, with flip phones and CD Walkmans, allowing it to exist in a timeless space. Seligman aimed to insert queer characters into the various decades of teen movies, offering a fresh perspective on representation.
“Bottoms” doesn’t shy away from its queer themes, and Seligman drew inspiration from older queer classics. She notes the influence of “Jennifer’s Body,” emphasizing the importance of portraying two teen girls kissing from a place of desire rather than mere practice.
While the film includes a sex scene, Seligman opted for subtlety over graphic content, underlining the challenge of striking the right balance. She explains, “I just felt like, OK, well, we need to see something that shows the character has achieved her goal before everything goes south.”
One of the film’s core themes is the manipulation of “empowerment” culture, challenging the conventional narrative of supportive female friendships. Seligman and Sennott sought to portray characters who are ready to bend that idea rather than conform to it.
From Indie Darling to Hollywood’s Attention
Emma Seligman’s journey in the film industry started with her debut, “Shiva Baby,” a concise and claustrophobic comedy that gained recognition despite its small budget. It was a surprise success, earning accolades and bringing Seligman into the spotlight. She reflects on the unexpected support it received online, primarily from young people, queer communities, and young women.
With “Bottoms,” Seligman transitioned to a significantly larger production, facing the challenges of scale and leading a bigger crew. The film’s budget of $11.3 million was a departure from her indie beginnings with “Shiva Baby.”
As her films, “Shiva Baby” and “Bottoms,” release closely together, Seligman now finds herself in an “ideating phase,” considering her next project. She values her collaboration with core team members and hints at the possibility of future ventures. Still, when asked about the allure of massive movie franchises like Marvel, Seligman remains open but cautious, expressing a desire for any project to be “really gay.”
“Bottoms” is already out in the UK and Ireland and will release in Australia on November 30th. Emma Seligman’s unique voice in cinema continues to challenge conventions and push the boundaries of representation.