Tomcats (2001) is a raunchy romantic comedy that dives headfirst into early 2000s bachelor culture, filled with over-the-top antics and exaggerated humor. The story revolves around a group of lifelong friends who made a pact during one of their wild nights: the last unmarried man among them would win a sizable cash pot. Years later, only two remain—Michael (Jerry O'Connell) and Kyle (Jake Busey). Deep in debt, Michael plots to get Kyle married off so he can claim the money.
Enter Natalie Parker, played by Shannon Elizabeth. She’s Kyle’s ex-girlfriend, and Michael recruits her to help lure Kyle into a relationship again—with a hidden agenda. However, Natalie ends up becoming much more than a tool in Michael’s scheme. As the story unfolds, she develops into a love interest herself, ultimately challenging Michael's immature views on relationships and commitment.
From a gender perspective, Natalie walks a fine line between being objectified and subverting expectations. In a film driven by male fantasy and adolescent humor, her character initially appears to be another idealized, hypersexualized woman designed to motivate the male leads. Yet Shannon Elizabeth gives Natalie a level of charm and self-awareness that sets her apart. She’s not easily fooled, nor is she simply a prize to be won—she calls out Michael’s schemes, stands up for herself, and, despite the film’s tone, comes off as intelligent and in control of her choices.
Visually, Natalie’s beauty is played up heavily, in line with the film’s comedic and often crude style. Shannon Elizabeth was already known at the time for her role in American Pie, and Tomcats continues that typecasting with an emphasis on her body and sensuality. She is styled in a way that draws consistent attention—from tight outfits to lingering camera shots—clearly designed to appeal to a male audience. However, her beauty is also central to her power in the film. Natalie uses her allure strategically, never allowing it to define her entirely, which creates an interesting contrast to the otherwise juvenile atmosphere around her.
Despite being in a movie that’s unapologetically loud, ridiculous, and male-centric, Natalie Parker stands out. Her role may be wrapped in glossy tropes, but there’s enough depth and assertiveness in her character to suggest she’s more than just eye candy. In many ways, she’s the most mature person in the room—and perhaps the only one who knows what she really wants.
