Jennifer’s Body, released in 2009, is directed by Karyn Kusama. I would describe it as a comedy chick-flick meets horror film. It follows two childhood best friends, Jennifer played by Megan Fox, and Needy played by Amanda Seyfried. The plot follows Jennifer, a popular cheerleader, who is kidnapped by a Satanic emo pop-punk band as a virgin sacrifice so they can become famous. However, because Jennifer is not a virgin, she is brought back and possessed by a demon and goes on a murder streak. Needy, uncovering this knowledge, makes it her duty to stop Jennifer.
On a surface-level inspection, one might conclude that Jennifer’s Body is simply a silly slasher film for people who are attracted to Megan Fox. I wouldn’t blame you if this is your perspective on the film. Upon initial release, Jennifer’s Body was marketed as a trashy sexy movie for straight men, when in reality, it’s actually a movie about female friendship and womanhood.
Yes, Jennifer’s Body is a horror comedy, but it is also much more than that. I am dead serious when I tell you it’s a thoughtful perspective and scary examination of what it means to be a teenage girl or young woman. This is especially evident in Jennifer’s sacrifice scene, which is incredibly emotionally charged and brings me to tears every time I watch it. When Jennifer is transformed into a monster, I can’t help but feel conflicted. I almost feel like she’s justified because of the atrocities that were done to her. If only she was using her demon powers to only go after the band that did this to her.
Needy and Jennifer’s relationship is compelling for a few reasons. Again upon first glance, these two characters fall under the stereotype of slut — Jennifer — and nerd — Needy. However, these two characters go beyond this stereotype. Instead, they represent to anyone who’s been a teenager before, the intense emotions, and the consistent theme of jealousy.
Needy is jealous of Jennifer and Jennifer is jealous of Needy. There are many differing opinions on the nature of Jennifer and Needy’s relationship. The common conclusion is that Jennifer is jealous of Needy because she has a stable relationship with her boyfriend, Chip. While Needy is jealous of Jennifer’s social status, she doesn’t become outwardly jealous until Jennifer tries to steal and kill Chip. I am an advocate for the opinion that Jennifer is in love with Needy, and is more or less jealous of Chip — or any other person who shows interest in Needy specifically. This is considerably evident when Jennifer immediately chooses Colin, a boy who shows obvious interest in Needy, as her next victim. Other scenes represent Jennifer’s obvious queerness, as well. Such as Jennifer and Needy share a kiss, and then Jennifer suggests “playing boyfriend and girlfriend like they used to.”
Regardless of the deeper undertones of the film, it’s an overall spooky and hilarious time. Jennifer’s Body is the perfect film for Halloween, which is conveniently coming up in the next couple of weeks! If you’re interested in watching Jennifer’s Body, it’s available to watch on streaming for Disney+, and Hulu.
Julia is a journalism major at Cal Poly Humboldt. She loves film and is a regular on Letterboxd. To quote Robin Williams in her all-time favorite mou-ie, Dead Poets Society, “The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse. What will your verse be?”
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