Bodied (2018)

The film is an edgy, satirical exploration of the battle rap scene, seen through the eyes of a progressive graduate student named Adam. Adam stumbles into the world of competitive rap battles while researching for his thesis on the use of the N-word. While initially out of his element, he soon becomes drawn into the world and starts to appreciate the artistry and raw emotion of the battle rap community. But as he dives deeper, he faces challenges, controversies, and confrontations that force him to confront his own prejudices and those of society.

Length: 2hrs 1min
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music

Trailer

Cast

• Calum Worthy as Adam
• Jackie Long as Behn Grymm
• Rory Uphold as Maya

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: R (For pervasive language, sexual content, and some violence)

The film contains explicit language and scenes of rap battles that may be intense for younger viewers. It tackles mature themes and requires viewer discretion.

Trivia

• Director Joseph Kahn self-funded the movie, believing in its potential to spark dialogue about race and privilege.
• Bodied won the People’s Choice Award for Midnight Madness at the Toronto International Film Festival.
• Eminem was one of the executive producers and contributed to the film’s soundtrack.

Our Review

“Bodied” is a sharp, unapologetic look at the world of battle rap and the societal issues it intersects. While its raw nature may not be for everyone, the film offers a thought-provoking take on race, privilege, and freedom of expression. Calum Worthy’s transformation from a naïve student to a passionate battler is both entertaining and unsettling, capturing the essence of the story. Definitely worth the watch, especially for those who appreciate hard-hitting drama combined with rhythmic battles.