Get ready to have your mind twisted—and possibly your stomach, too. Netflix’s The Twits isn’t just another Roald Dahl adaptation; it’s a wild, politically charged rollercoaster that blends gross-out humor with heartwarming lessons about family and resilience. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this animated adventure too bizarre for its own good, or is it a genius reimagining of Dahl’s classic? Let’s dive in.
After their dilapidated theme park, Twitlandia, is shut down by the city, the notorious Mr. and Mrs. Twit concoct a plan to wreak havoc on the streets—by flooding them with hot dog meat. Yes, you read that right. Their scheme backfires spectacularly when a group of orphans, led by the sassy and determined Beesha (voiced by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), decide to turn the tables on the twisted couple. But this isn’t just a story about revenge; it’s a deep dive into themes of found family, acceptance, and the dangers of mob mentality—all wrapped in a layer of slime and silliness.
Director Phil Johnston takes Dahl’s 1980 novel and transforms it into a visually stunning, emotionally layered masterpiece. The film’s aesthetic is a feast for the eyes, blending the stop-motion charm of LAIKA Studios with the quirky, offbeat style of Double Fine Productions. And while the original songs by David Byrne and Hayley Williams might not stick with you, the film’s political commentary certainly will. The Twits’ campaign to become co-mayors of the city is a scathing critique of empty promises and blind followership—a mirror held up to our own world. But is it too on-the-nose, or just the right amount of biting satire? You decide.
At its core, The Twits is a story about finding love and belonging in unexpected places. Mr. and Mrs. Twit, voiced with gleeful malice by Johnny Vegas and Margo Martindale, may despise each other, but their relationship is oddly tender—like a frog tongue to the face being their version of a love letter. Meanwhile, the orphans’ quest to expose the Twits leads them to the Muggle-Wumps, a family of magical monkey-like creatures whose tears power Twitlandia. When the kids free the Muggle-Wumps, they ignite a war that forces everyone to confront their own prejudices and desires.
And this is the part most people miss: beneath the gross humor and absurdity lies a profound message about selflessness and the importance of recognizing when you’ve done enough. It’s a reminder that love and appreciation can be found even in the messiest of situations—a lesson that resonates with both kids and adults alike.
While some might dismiss The Twits as just another Dahl adaptation, it’s anything but ordinary. The film is packed with unforgettable characters, from Alan Tudyk’s backward-talking Sweet Toed Toad to Jason Mantzoukas’s explosively hilarious Mayor Wayne John John-John. Emilia Clarke’s Pippa, the insect narrator living in Mr. Twit’s beard, adds a layer of whimsy that ties the whole story together. It’s unconventional, witty, and undeniably gross—but in the best way possible.
So, is The Twits a masterpiece or a mess? That’s for you to decide. But one thing’s for sure: this oddball feature will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. Do you think its political commentary hits the mark, or does it go too far? Let’s debate in the comments!
