Rebel Wilson Returns to High School in ‘Senior Year’

Rebel Wilson has been a comedy mainstay since she broke out as Kristen Wiig’s nightmare roommate in 2011’s Bridesmaids. Over the past decade, she’s starred in the hit Pitch Perfect franchise, as well as several of her own movies that range from entertaining (Isn’t It Romantic) to unfortunate (Cats). Now, Wilson returns with a comedy that sees her going back to high school.

Senior Year follows Stephanie (Wilson), former high school cheerleader and resident popular girl who falls into a coma after a brutal cheerleading accident. When she wakes up 20 years later, she’s eager to catch up on everything she’s missed, including winning prom queen. But Stephanie has a lot of catching up to do as she adjusts to the modern-day high school experience.

Directed by Alex Hardcastle (Grace and Frankie, You’re the Worst), Senior Year is stacked with comedy all-stars like Chris Parnell (SNL), Mary Holland (Veep), Sam Richardson (Detroiters), and Zoe Chao (The Afterparty). The trailer plays like a cross between 21 Jump Street and Never Been Kissed, as Wilson struggles to understand her place in the high school pecking order. As a fan of both Wilson and high school comedies, I’m tentatively excited for this movie. Early 2000s nostalgia AND thinking woman’s heartthrob Sam Richardson as the potential romantic lead? I’m sold.

There’s lots of rich comedic territory to mine here, from the ubiquity of social media to the ways that high school dynamics play out among adults. And to be honest, this movie looks just plain fun. It’s been a minute since we’ve had a breezy high concept comedy, and Wilson certainly has the skills to pull it off. More women-driven comedies for the win!

Senior Year premieres on May 13 on Netflix.

(image: Boris Martin/Netflix)

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Chelsea Steiner

Chelsea was born and raised in New Orleans, which explains her affinity for cheesy grits and Britney Spears. An pop culture journalist since 2012, her work has appeared on Autostraddle, AfterEllen, and more. Her beats include queer popular culture, film, television, republican clownery, and the unwavering belief that 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' is the greatest movie ever made. She currently resides in sunny Los Angeles, with her husband, 2 sons, and one poorly behaved rescue dog. She is a former roller derby girl and a black belt in Judo, so she is not to be trifled with. She loves the word “Jewess” and wishes more people used it to describe her.

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