Discover how a seemingly silly tale of gross pranks and magical monkeys unexpectedly morphs into a sharp take on today's divisive politics—Netflix's animated 'The Twits' isn't just for kids anymore!
As someone who grew up adoring Roald Dahl's stories, I have to admit that while I was drawn to the eerie charm of 'The Witches' or the fantastical adventures in 'James and the Giant Peach,' plenty of others gravitated toward 'The Twits.' This 1980 novel revels in all things disgusting, from fake glass eyes hiding in beer mugs to spaghetti mysteriously replaced with wriggling worms. Interestingly, Dahl crafted the book partly as a vehicle for his strong dislike of beards—a quirk that, as we now know, was just one of his less harmful biases, including some troubling views on anti-Semitism that his family later addressed publicly. Back when I was young, the book's yucky humor appealed to me, but I always felt 'The Twits,' with its tale of a nasty, unkempt couple and a troop of clever monkeys desperate to break free from captivity, veered a bit too far into the grim and grimy to stand alongside classics like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.'
Adaptations of 'The Twits' have popped up before, like stage versions, but bringing it to the screen has been a bumpy ride. A live-action film idea fizzled out recently, and now the planned TV series has morphed into this animated movie. It's helmed by Phil Johnston, who you might recognize from penning heartwarming hits like 'Wreck-It Ralph' and 'Zootopia,' alongside co-directors Todd Kunjan Demong and Katie Shanahan. Maybe this project let Johnston unleash his more chaotic side, diving into the filthy and risky after his usual polished family fare—think of it as swapping out the clean-cut superhero for a mischievous garbage pail kid.
'The Twits' on Netflix
The Bottom Line: Routine fun, until real-world politics crash the party.
Release date: Friday, October 17 (on 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 get-go, the film dives headfirst into a joyful celebration of grossness, updating the story to modern times with fresh characters added in. Yet, the book's core fascination with all things slimy and revolting shines through. The titular couple, brought to life with energetic zest and a touch of grime by Margo Martindale and comedian Johnny Vegas, remain a repulsive duo—tricking each other, imprisoning adorable, brilliant monkeys, and terrorizing neighborhood children. They've even got plans for a theme park featuring a bouncy castle crafted from dirty mattresses and other blatant breaches of hygiene rules. It's cruder and less enchanted than Dahl's original, but it aims to hook a fresh batch of young viewers who thrive on the messier side of storytelling, much like how some kids today love prank videos or gross-out challenges on social media.
For adults or those not into that vibe, there's still some enjoyment to be had from the lively voice acting—including Johnston himself lending his voice—and a few quirky, offbeat jokes that catch you off guard. The handful of new songs, composed by the legendary David Byrne, unfortunately don't leave much of a mark, blending in rather than standing out. Visually, the animation falls short compared to the shiny worlds of Disney or DreamWorks; that intentional grunginess captures the spirit, but it often resembles those budget digital films that look dated soon after release. (As a side note, computer-animated movies generally don't age well aesthetically, which is why classics like 'Toy Story' from decades ago still hold up better than many recent ones.)
The new elements in the plot, like introducing standard orphan siblings Beesha (voiced by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and Bubsy (Ryan Lopez), add a cookie-cutter feel to the movie, as if Netflix worried Dahl's quirky tale wouldn't connect with today's kids without more relatable, everyday heroes. This mirrors trends in recent Dahl reboots, where the author's prickly, unconventional worlds get toned down to fit current sensibilities—think of it as modernizing Shakespeare plays by updating the language for easier understanding.
But here's where it gets controversial... As the story progresses, one of these updates hits a nerve in an unexpected way. Beesha and Bubsy, as expected in kids' films, end up clashing with the villains. You'd think the townsfolk in the dreary city of Triperot would see the Twits as despicable villains. Instead, they flock to the couple's side, swayed by a phony promise of reviving the city's glory days—a place that was once vibrant and exciting. The Twits, merely chasing their shady business gains, kick off a propaganda campaign to recapture a mythical past. The children, appalled, work to snap their elders out of this trance.
And this is the part most people miss... This setup eerily mirrors the real-world phenomenon of Trumpism in America around 2025, capturing the wild surge of mass delusion that has ensnared folks across ages in the past decade. For beginners wondering what that means, Trumpism often refers to a political movement centered on promises of making America 'great again' through strong leadership, immigration controls, and economic revival, but critics argue it sometimes involves spreading misinformation or elevating questionable figures. That a children's animated flick dares to draw such a direct parallel—to address the frustration of seeing clearly flawed individuals gain power by peddling false dreams of a paradise lost—is truly groundbreaking. Beyond the usual lessons on friendship, acceptance, and understanding even those we clash with, this bold political nod sets 'The Twits' apart. It's a message I never expected from a Dahl adaptation!
With this timely, powerful theme, you might even overlook some of the film's weaker spots. Alan Tudyk delivers hilarious charm as the pitiful amphibian Sweet Toed Toad, while the magical Muggle-Wump monkeys, voiced by Natalie Portman and Timothy Simons from 'Veep,' are irresistibly cute and spirited. Oh, and don't get me started on those living hairballs that pop out when a stressed Muggle-Wump coughs—sure, they scream 'toy tie-in opportunity,' but their fuzzy, smiling antics win you over anyway.
It's amusing how a movie that starts as a forgettable bit of fluff can evolve into something standout, making its imperfections feel like charming quirks. Of course, those who align with the Twits' 'side'—in the story or reality—might accuse this of being 'left-brained bias' or even 'Twits Derangement Syndrome.' To that, I'd cheekily suggest they stick their heads in the glue like in the book. But what do you think? Is weaving current events like this into children's entertainment a smart way to spark important conversations, or does it risk confusing young minds? Do you see the Trumpism parallels as spot-on or an overreach? Share your opinions in the comments—I'm curious to hear agreements, disagreements, or even wild takes!
