In this column, Zofia Wijaszka reviews forgotten, underrated, and “hidden gems” horror films that deserve a new audience’s attention and post-watch conversation. The Terror Comeback’s goal is to celebrate the horror genre, both the genre in the cinema and on television.
“Jennifer’s Body” Review: A Horror Flick on Female Rage Ahead of Its Time
This review contains spoilers for Jennifer’s Body.
High school is a b*tch. Believe me. Everyone deals with growing pains, shifting moods, and bullying. And even if your high school years were “all good,” I’d bet there are still sour memories that sometimes keep you awake at night. In Karyn Kusama’s 2009 horror flick Jennifer’s Body, high school isn’t just tough, it’s deadly. Written by Diablo Cody (United States of Tara), this cult classic may not be flawless, but it remains a vital piece of pop culture. It’s a story of coming of age, bodily autonomy, and female rage, wrapped in a sharp horror narrative. Now, 16 years later, it’s proven to stand the test of time and feels even more relevant now than ever.
The story unfolds in a small town called Devil’s Kettle. Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried), a high schooler, grows increasingly concerned about her best friend, Jennifer Check (Megan Fox), who begins acting strangely after a tragedy in which the local bar burns down during a performance by indie band Low Shoulder. As it turns out, the band made a pact with the Devil that required the sacrifice of a virgin. Believing Jennifer to be one, they kidnap and kill her. But because she wasn’t a virgin, Jennifer is resurrected and returns seeking retribution. While Needy tries to save her friend, a string of gruesome murders rocks the small town.
At its core, Jennifer’s Body is a horror story; gory, chilling, and filled with moments that will make you squirm. But it’s also much more than that. Like John Fawcett’s Ginger Snaps, it channels female rage and weaves in sharp commentary on growing up while being a young girl in boys’ world, bodily autonomy, and revenge. Megan Fox delivers a phenomenal performance as Jennifer, while Seyfried’s portrayal of Needy is unforgettable. J.K. Simmons, Kyle Gallner, and Johnny Simmons round out a strong supporting cast, but it’s Fox and Seyfried’s chemistry that electrifies the film. Their dynamic is both haunting and captivating, with queer undertones that invite audiences to interpret the relationship through their own lens.
I’ve long admired Kusama’s direction in films like Destroyer, XX, and The Invitation, as well as her directorial work on Yellowjackets. Her skill shines through with Jennifer’s Body, with striking flourishes like split-diopter shots (my personal weakness). Meanwhile, Cody’s script captures the teenage voice perfectly, complete with cringe-worthy slang and razor-sharp one-liners. Lines like “You’re killing people!” / “No, I’m killing boys.” remain iconic to this day.
If I could change one thing, I’d love to see Jennifer take out the band members themselves rather than going after Chip. To me, that would have made the story more gratifying. But that’s a personal preference. The ending we got is still satisfyingly delicious. What’s remarkable is how Jennifer’s Body, negatively reviewed and received by many upon release, has aged into a cult classic. Over the years, it’s been embraced as an empowering, coming-of-age horror film.
Despite its pacing hiccups and a few narrative choices, it’s a must-watch—especially for anyone who’s survived the brutal reality of high school.
Grade: B+
Jennifer’s Body is currently streaming on Hulu.
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Jennifer’s Body
Jennifer, a gorgeous, seductive cheerleader takes evil to a whole new level after she’s possessed by a sinister demon. Now it’s up to her best friend to stop Jennifer’s reign of terror before it’s too late.
