Hit horror film with 'clever' twist makes its BBC One debut tonight

A horror movie that reportedly left some viewers feeling unsettled and "grossed out" is set to air on BBC One tonight. First released in 2022, Bodies Bodies Bodies is a horror-comedy directed by Halina Reijn, with a screenplay by Sarah DeLappe inspired by a story from Kristen Roupenian. Featuring a cast that includes Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha'la, and Pete Davidson, the film follows a group of young friends whose party game takes a dark turn, triggering mistrust, panic, and deadly consequences. The story focuses on Bee, a young woman from a working-class background in Eastern Europe, who joins her girlfriend Sophie at a hurricane party hosted in a lavish mansion.

The property belongs to the wealthy family of David, one of Sophie's closest friends, where a night of celebration soon descends into chaos. In attendance are David's girlfriend Emma, Alice, a podcast presenter, Alice's older partner Greg, and Jordan, whose intentions and character remain ambiguous for much of the narrative. Another member of the friendship circle, Max, is notably absent having departed following a previous dispute with David, reports the Express . Throughout the night, the guests consume alcohol, dance, and ultimately commence playing a party game titled Bodies Bodies Bodies, where players act out investigating a homicide.

With mobile phones failing to connect and no straightforward means of departure, the group finds itself stranded when they realise Sophie's vehicle will not start because its battery has been drained. Panic rapidly sets in. Upon discovering a survival kit in Greg's bag containing a blade and a map, the group grows suspicious that he might be connected to a fatality that has taken place at the location. During its cinema run, Bodies Bodies Bodies earned $14 million at the box office and garnered largely favourable critical reception, with particular acclaim for its wit and the ensemble's portrayals.

Yet audience opinion proved more divided. Several Rotten Tomatoes reviews stated: "Maybe one of the most mid films I've ever seen. The pacing and action are all fine as is the story, but it's heavily dragged down by the characters. Most of them border annoying (aside Greg & David), notably Alice." Another remarked: "I'm not sure what they were actually trying to do with this.

I was grossed out in the first 20 seconds. Meh, not for me." Others offered more generous assessments: "The film is not scary. but it is very clever, interesting, funny and awkward.

Overall it's actually quite good and definitely worth your time." While another declared: "Masterpiece. It's that simple." Bodies Bodies airs Friday 5th June at 11:20pm on BBC One.