Picture this: A beloved children's tale brimming with slime, beards, and bizarre pranks suddenly morphs into a animated film that boldly dives into the murky waters of American politics. It's not just gross fun anymore—Netflix's take on Roald Dahl's 'The Twits' flips the script in ways that might leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about kiddie entertainment!
As a kid who grew up adoring the eerie charm of Dahl's stories, I couldn't get enough of the spooky vibes in 'The Witches' or the imaginative adventures in 'James and the Giant Peach.' But for many young readers, 'The Twits' held a special allure with its focus on all things disgusting—like swapping fake eyeballs into drinks or slipping worms into pasta. Written back in 1980, the book was essentially Dahl's way of channeling his deep-seated dislike for beards, which, as it turned out, was just one of his milder quirks amid some troubling biases, including antisemitism that his family later addressed. Back then, I found the grossness entertaining, but the story of a nasty, unkempt couple and their captive magical monkeys felt a tad too grimy to rank alongside timeless classics like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Dahl's world of revulsion has sparked debates about his legacy, with some praising his creativity and others calling out his prejudices. Do you see him as a flawed genius or someone whose views taint his works?
Adaptations of 'The Twits' have had a bumpy road. It's been staged on theater stages before, and a live-action movie attempt fizzled out recently. Now, what was planned as a TV series has evolved into this animated feature, helmed by director Phil Johnston—famous for crafting wholesome hits like 'Wreck-It Ralph' and 'Zootopia'—alongside co-directors Todd Kunjan Demong and Katie Shanahan. Maybe Johnston saw this project as an opportunity to unleash his edgier side, indulging in the filth after so many polished family flicks.
The Twits
The Bottom Line Run-of-the-mill animation, until it veers into timely political territory.
Release date: Friday, Oct. 17 (Netflix)
Cast: Margo Martindale, Johnny Vegas, Natalie Portman, Alan Tudyk, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Director: Phil Johnston
Co-directors: Todd Kunjan Demong, Katie Shanahan
Writers: Phil Johnston, Meg Favreau
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
Right from the opening scenes, the movie embraces a joyous celebration of the nasty and the naughty. They've updated the action to our modern era, tossing in fresh characters while keeping Dahl's fascination with the gooey and grotesque. The titular Twits, brought to life with energetic gusto by Margo Martindale and comedian Johnny Vegas, are a pair of grubby troublemakers who prank each other mercilessly, imprison clever, adorable monkeys, and terrorize neighborhood kids. Their big plan? Launching a theme park filled with a stinky bounce house crafted from dirty mattresses and other blatant safety hazards that scream violations of health regulations. It's ramped up the crudeness a notch or two compared to the book, trading some whimsy for raw edge, but it aims to hook a fresh wave of young viewers who thrive on the messy and macabre.
For those not thrilled by the muck, there's still some enjoyment in the lively voice acting—Johnston even lends his own voice—and the oddball humor that hits in unexpected ways. A few original tunes composed by David Byrne add a quirky touch, though they don't stick with you long. Visually, the animation falls short of the shiny standards set by Disney or DreamWorks, looking more like one of those budget digital flops that fade fast aesthetically. A bit of that dingy style makes sense for the story, but it often comes across as hastily produced, much like many computer-animated films that don't hold up well over time.
And this is the part most people miss: How the film's new elements might dilute Dahl's unique voice, turning it into something more mainstream. Is this a smart update or a betrayal of the author's eccentric style?
The story tweaks, like adding stereotypical orphan characters Beesha (voiced by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and Bubsy (Ryan Lopez), give the film a cookie-cutter feel for kids' movies. It seems Netflix worried the original tale wasn't accessible enough for today's crowds, a pattern seen in recent Dahl remakes where the author's prickly, offbeat worlds get smoothed over to fit current tastes and sensitivities.
Yet, as the plot progresses, one of these contemporary additions hits home in an unexpected, powerful way. Beesha and Bubsy inevitably clash with the villains, as young heroes often do in films. You'd assume the townsfolk in the dreary city of Triperot would despise the Twits for their wickedness. Instead, they flock to support them, swayed by promises of reviving the city's glory days. The Twits, driven by their selfish ambitions, spin a tale of redemption for a place that once buzzed with excitement. The kids, appalled, work to snap their elders out of this illusion.
This setup eerily mirrors the political landscape of 2025 America, marking what I believe is the first animated kids' movie to directly reference the phenomenon of Trumpism—the widespread groupthink and delusion that has ensnared people of all ages over the past decade. For beginners trying to grasp this, think of it as a allegory: Like how some leaders promote false narratives about reclaiming a 'golden age' while ignoring real problems, the film shows obviously flawed characters gaining power through lies. It's striking that a children's film dares to explore this, addressing the frustration of seeing bad actors rise while peddling fantasies of a lost paradise. Sure, the movie touches on timeless themes like finding your place, building chosen families, and showing compassion even to those you disagree with—and those are important lessons. But it's the sharp political parallel that sets 'The Twits' apart in a way I never anticipated.
Here's the controversy that might divide viewers: Is injecting politics into a lighthearted animation a bold move or an overreach that ruins the fun? Some might argue it's 'woke' propaganda, while others see it as essential commentary. What side are you on?
This potent, relevant message prompts a reevaluation of the film's overall quality. Take Alan Tudyk, who delivers a wonderfully eccentric performance as Sweet Toed Toad, the down-on-his-luck amphibian. The magical monkeys, known as Muggle-Wumps, are irresistibly cute and voiced energetically by Natalie Portman and Timothy Simons from 'Veep.' And don't forget the bizarre sentient hairballs that pop out during stress—they're charming little critters, even if they're likely designed to boost merchandise sales.
It's amusing how a movie that starts as a seemingly disposable romp can reveal hidden depths, making its imperfections feel forgivable or even endearing. Of course, fans of the Twits' antics in the story—or their real-world counterparts—might accuse this of liberal bias, calling it 'TDS' or Twits Derangement Syndrome. To that, I'd cheekily suggest they try gluing their heads to the floor and see how that goes.
Ultimately, 'The Twits' challenges us to think beyond the gross-out gags to the bigger picture. Does this adaptation succeed in blending Dahl's mischief with modern relevance, or does it miss the mark? Do you agree that political allegories have a place in children's films, or should they stick to pure escapism? Share your opinions in the comments—I'm curious to hear if this sparks agreement, disagreement, or even heated debates!
