Netflix has finally unleashed Roald Dahl's most gloriously grotesque creations upon the world in their new animated adaptation of The Twits, and it's every bit as wonderfully wicked as fans could hope for.
A Perfectly Revolting Partnership
Directed by Phil Johnston and featuring the vocal talents of Jermaine Clement and Natasha Lyonne as the titular terrible couple, this adaptation captures the essence of Dahl's dark humour while adding fresh layers of visual inventiveness. The film doesn't just retell the story—it revels in the glorious nastiness that made the original book so beloved.
More Than Just Ugly Faces
What makes this adaptation particularly successful is its understanding that Mr and Mrs Twit's ugliness goes far deeper than their physical appearance. The animation brilliantly captures their malicious spirits through exaggerated movements and wonderfully disgusting habits. From the infamous food-in-beard moments to the cruel practical jokes they play on each other, every frame drips with the kind of dark comedy that made Dahl a literary legend.
Expanding the Twisted World
The film wisely expands beyond the original text to flesh out the Twits' miserable existence while introducing new characters that fit seamlessly into Dahl's universe. The expanded narrative never feels like padding—instead, it enhances the central message about karma and comeuppance that made the original so satisfying.
Visual Style That Matches the Madness
The animation style perfectly complements the story's tone, blending traditional character design with modern techniques to create something that feels both timeless and fresh. The colour palette shifts beautifully between the drab, miserable world of the Twits' home and the vibrant freedom represented by their animal victims.
A Worthy Addition to the Dahl Cinematic Universe
Following in the footsteps of recent successful Dahl adaptations, The Twits proves that there's still plenty of life in the author's work when handled with the right balance of reverence and innovation. It's dark enough to satisfy long-time fans but accessible enough to introduce a new generation to Dahl's unique brand of storytelling.
This isn't just another children's film—it's a celebration of nastiness, a tribute to the joy of being thoroughly awful, and ultimately, a story about how cruelty always gets its just desserts. Netflix has delivered a adaptation that would likely make Dahl himself cackle with glee.
