Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried) is the unlikely heroine of Jennifer’s Body, whose transformation from mousy outsider to supernatural avenger begins with her childhood bond with Jennifer. As kids, she and popular Jennifer Check (Megan Fox) forged an intense friendship through games and promises, and Needy ends up becoming subservient and an admirer of sorts to her. Their connection takes a dark turn when the cheerleader is sacrificed by indie band Low Shoulder in a botched satanic ritual, transforming her into a man-eating succubus.
Early on, it seems that Needy’s boyfriend, Chip, is not the biggest fan of Jennifer. He gets frustrated that the popular friend seems to take advantage of their friendship. His girlfriend is not allowed to be prettier than her friend and must always do what she says. He finds her to be vain and someone who takes for granted that her good looks are enough to make everything go her way. Even though Needy has a boyfriend, the main relationship of the movie is between her and Jennifer, as she’s always ready to prioritize their bond over everyone and everything.
Later, there is a sexual element to their friendship that both seem to enjoy, although this occurs under unusual circumstances, when Needy starts fearing the violence coming from Jennifer’s sustenance. So Needy turns to occult research in their school library. Armed with information, she seeks to protect her boyfriend as she suspects that Jennifer’s controlling ways might put him in danger. However, her warnings fall on deaf ears, and Chip becomes Jennifer’s final victim. Their last match is brutal and intimate, with Needy stabbing her former friend in the heart in a moment that’s equal parts liberation and heartbreak.
Institutionalized for the murder, Needy soon discovers Jennifer’s last bite transferred some supernatural abilities to her. She escapes to slaughter Low Shoulder, the band that kidnapped Jennifer and set everything in motion. More than just a horror survivor, Needy embodies one of the film’s central themes, about how the people who shape us most profoundly often leave scars, and occasionally, a terrifying power behind.