After its initial mediocre reception in 2009, I am happy to see that Jennifer’s Body is being revisited, and has even built a bonafide cult following. Jennifer’s Body follows the friendship of nerdy Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried) and popular cheerleader Jennifer Check (Megan Fox)– yes, we are supposed to believe Amanda Seyfried is an awkward outcast here.

Friends since childhood, a shared history is really the only string holding these two together. Jennifer is pretty dismissive of Needy, and Needy seems infatuated with Jennifer, trying to hold on to a friendship that has run its course. The two are involved in a bar fire, while watching a band called Low Shoulder. Unfortunately for Jennifer, the bandmates only care about fame and have a yen for the occult and dark arts. In no time, Jennifer is evil cheerleader by day, demon by night. Her attitude doesn’t seem to change all that much, but she does start eating boys. Jennifer’s reign of terror over her high school is paralleled with her and Needy’s disintegrating relationship.

To be completely blunt, this movie is really weird. While I firmly stand by the belief it was underappreciated for its time, campy horror-comedies have their audience. This movie definitely leans more into the cringe-y teenage humor. While the horror element is not as present, Low Shoulder is legitimately terrifying. And the underlying story of a high school friendship wearing thin feels like a realistic occurrence, in a bizarre setting. The early aughts nostalgia is strong in this one, from the fashion to the emo indie rock–so if you feel like a campy blast from the somewhat recent past, give Jennifer’s Body a shot. (And remember to look out for kickers.)

Jennifer’s Body
2009
dir. Karyn Kusama
102 min.

Screens Thursday, 10/27, 7:00pm @ Coolidge Corner Theatre
After party with themed cocktails following the film at Parlour!
Part of the ongoing series: Rewind!, Spotlight on Women