The Body review - this sexy retro high school drama is like Cruel Intentions … with added Satanic rituals
The Guardian • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Netflix’s new YA drama The Body is set in a Catholic school in Halloween 2004, exploring teenage social hierarchies and dark secrets through the lives of dance troupe leaders and outcast siblings.
- The show blends supernatural elements with intense adolescent experiences, highlighting themes of sexual identity, rebellion, and the parallels between religion and adolescence.
- Created by Quinn Shephard, The Body skillfully portrays complex teenage characters and their psychological struggles, avoiding clichés while embracing early 2000s teen movie nostalgia.
- The series is moody, gothic, and symbolic, combining sexy, campy elements with a retro soundtrack and cultural references, capturing the confusion of young women navigating sexuality pre-social media.
- While praised for its engaging teen drama and queer-centric storytelling, the eight-episode show’s pacing is occasionally sluggish, with some less compelling side characters.
