Watch Body Shots
- R
- 1999
- 1 hr 46 min
-
4.9 (5,682)
Body Shots is a 1999 movie that follows a group of twenty-somethings in Los Angeles as they navigate their way through the world of sex, relationships, and heartbreak. From the opening scene of the film, it is clear that this is not your typical romantic comedy. Instead, the film delves into the complex dynamics between men and women, exploring the ways in which desire, expectations, and alcohol can blur the lines between consensual sex and assault.
Throughout the film, we follow a group of four men and four women as they swap stories about their own sexual experiences, casting a critical eye on the way society treats women who are sexually active. While some of the characters are more sympathetic than others, the film does an excellent job of depicting the nuanced ways in which men and women relate to each other.
As the night wears on, tempers flare and insecurities come to the surface. The men are depicted as more aggressive and predatory, while the women are more guarded and mistrustful. Throughout it all, the characters struggle to find common ground, to see each other as equals, and to define their own sexual boundaries.
What sets Body Shots apart from other movies in this genre is its willingness to ask difficult questions about the nature of consent and the way our society views sexual assault. While the film is not without its flaws, it is an important and timely exploration of a topic that is still woefully under-discussed in mainstream media.
One of the strengths of the film is its cast. While the actors are not well-known, they deliver strong performances that lend depth and complexity to their characters. Joe Basile, Scott Burkholder, Liz Coke all bring a raw intensity to their roles, fleshing out a group of characters who are flawed, complex, and entirely believable.
Another strength of the film is its pacing. While the movie does move at a somewhat slow pace, it allows the characters and the story to breathe, building tension and allowing the audience to become emotionally invested in their struggles. There are moments of levity and humor, but these are always undercut by a sense of unease and uncertainty that keeps the viewer on edge.
The movie is well shot, with a dark, moody aesthetic that perfectly captures the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. The film's soundtrack is also excellent, providing a moody backdrop to the film's internal struggles.
That being said, the movie does have some flaws. There are moments when the film feels heavy-handed or preachy, particularly when it comes to issues of sexual assault and consent. While there is clearly a strong message being conveyed, the film occasionally sacrifices nuance in order to make its point.
Additionally, some viewers may find the film's exploration of toxic masculinity and male aggression to be simplistic or one-dimensional. While the characters are all flawed, there is a sense that the film is somewhat biased against men, portraying them as uniformly sleazy and predatory. While this is certainly an important conversation to be having, the movie's depiction of male sexuality may not sit well with all viewers.
Overall, Body Shots is a flawed but thought-provoking film that provides a nuanced exploration of issues of consent and sexual assault. While some viewers may find the film heavy-handed or preachy, it is undeniably an important addition to the dialogue surrounding these issues. With strong performances, moody visuals, and a compelling soundtrack, the film is worth watching for anyone looking to explore the complexities of modern sexuality.
Body Shots is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9 and a MetaScore of 36.