Now gather ‘round kids, and pay attention to this spectacle
We’re dealing with an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival
A film written by Alex Larsen, directed by Joseph Kahn
A director who’s done music videos for some of your favorite songs
Bodied is a satire set in the world of competitive battle rap
Adam Merkin, played by Calum Worthy, becomes accidentally entrapped
He’s a progressive grad student with a skeptical bae
He lies about battles to keep his night events away from his day
Adam meets Behn Grym, played by Jackie Long, a master of this skill
As Adam’s mentor, he fuels the feeling that battle rap is a thrill
Adam climbs up the ranks, his friends notice his time is occupied
It gets pointed out that his presence makes the battle underground gentrified
So focused on ensuring his battle rap career gets some traction,
Adam learns the hard way there’s consequences to his controversial actions
Bodied is a visual stunner, showcasing battles with special effects
It gives a gritty look of where these artistic showdowns are set
Where it succeeds is the writing, and the rhymes it has in store
With special appearances from renowned battle rappers galore
Worthy nails Adam, his awkward, privileged talent shines
Long is also believable as rapper Behn, the way he emphasizes his lines
Another standout piece is the film’s diversity
Adding more authentic layers to this world while they’re facing adversity
This film does have flaws, one of which I’ll name
We don’t see growth from Adam after he co-opts the battle rap game
They set up the film to point out that Adam is a white privileged mess
However, he still gains the biggest success
It’s contradictory to have laid bare your gentrifying by everyone near
While your success is celebrated by your marginalized peers
The film does attempt to rectify this by making it clear
That in the end, Adam loses the relationships he holds the most dear
In a sea of TIFF winners and losers, Bodied is a certified win
With characters who’s struggles put the viewers in a tailspin
With its effects, its lighting, its cast and crew
Bodied’s authentic voice truly shines through
#BARS
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