'The Body' Review
Updated: 2 hours ago
Season One.
Aired On: Netflix.
Release Date: 11/11/26.
Genre: Horror.
The Verdict: A Must-See
The thought of diving into another show centered on schoolgirls doing insane shit after seeing Mike Flanagan's take on Carrie sounded exhausting (complimentary). However, Quinn Shephard's new Netflix series The Body proved me wrong in all the right ways.
On Halloween night in 2004, a Catholic high school dance team’s initiation ceremony backfires after a botched, drunken soul offering of a new recruit.
The Body’s cinematography is rich and decadent. It avoids the typical flat Netflix stage lighting, with enough mood and sophistication that keeps you glued to the screen despite the chaotic, albeit fun, soap opera-esque plot points. The show carefully balances supernatural vibes, teen melodrama, and faith-based ideology, set against the backdrop of the 2004 presidential election. Countless shots of real political news coverage hang out in the background on almost every TV. There are also plenty of subtle references to films of the era. Intentional costume design, setting, and dialogue help support what movies of that time period were trying to convey. It’s a thoughtful homage to the millennial era. I could spend all day listing the films that clearly inspired this, but you’ll have much more fun spotting them yourself.
The cast is stacked with mostly fresh faces, but each one delivers memorable performances. For me, Geena Meszaros as Lisbeth steals the show. She dominates every scene she is in, moving with effortless unpredictability throughout the season. I was also excited to see Shirley Chen play the kind, innocent Maddie, following her cunning performance in Slanted earlier this year.
The show’s compelling nature comes from how it navigates religious guilt, sexual curiosity, and one’s desperate need to fit in. You will find yourself questioning everything along with the characters: is it really a spiritual event, or just teenage girls doing their damnedest? One thing I do know is that this body is ready for a second season.
Where to Watch:
