See Unsee summary
Netflix revisits the absurd and grotesque world of Roald Dahl with The Twits, an animated film set to premiere on October 17, 2025. Directed by Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph, Zootopia) and co-directed by Todd Kunjan Demong and Kate Shanahan, this bold adaptation goes beyond the laughs, weaving a surprisingly sharp political satire into its cartoonish chaos.
A twisted world with familiar voices
At the heart of the film are Mr. and Mrs. Twit, two revolting, hilariously cruel characters voiced with gusto by Margo Martindale and Johnny Vegas. Their performances bring a mix of humor and nastiness that fits perfectly with the original spirit of Dahl’s book. As a longtime fan of Martindale’s presence on screen, it was a treat to hear her fully lean into absurdity.
They’re joined by a strong voice cast: Natalie Portman, Alan Tudyk (as a nervous toad named Sweet Toed Toad), Timothy Simons, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. The latter voices Beesha, an orphan child who, along with Bubsy (Ryan Lopez), becomes a glimmer of hope in a setting dominated by grime and selfishness.
Phil Johnston, besides directing, also contributes his voice, while music legend David Byrne offers a handful of original songs. Unfortunately, those tracks don’t leave much of an impression. On the other hand, Oli Julian’s score adds a playful undertone that suits the film’s offbeat universe. To read Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton face off in 2026’s Apex trailer
From amusement park nightmares to magical monkeys
The plot sticks to the usual Dahl formula: adults behaving monstrously, and children slowly deciding to fight back. In this version, the Twits convert their revolting sensibilities into a grimy amusement park, trapping a family of magical monkeys to help them build and run it. It’s bizarre, unsettling, and totally in line with the author’s taste for the macabre.
But the focus isn’t just on the bad guys’ antics. Beesha and Bubsy take center stage as resourceful orphans who start questioning the Twits’ rise to power. Their discovery of the hidden monkeys and growing resistance against their captors give the movie its heart and a sense of momentum that keeps it engaging for younger viewers.
A different kind of children’s satire
Here’s where The Twits truly stands apart. Nestled in its absurd storyline is a surprisingly sharp political edge. The townspeople of Triperot don’t rebel against the Twits — they support them, mesmerized by promises of “bringing back greatness” and blinded by populist slogans. It’s hard to miss the echo of recent political movements, especially Trump-era rhetoric.
- The Twits gain control through manipulation, not charm
- Propaganda is used as a tool to win over the masses
- Disinformation plays as big a role as bad hygiene
- Even the children aren’t immune to the town’s gradual shift
Honestly, I didn’t expect this level of social commentary in a family film. The satire feels more front-and-center than in other Dahl adaptations, and while that may be a delicate move for a younger audience, it gives the film personality. It reminded me a bit of how Zootopia dared to say something relevant without losing its sense of fun — something Johnston clearly understands.
Visuals that struggle to keep pace
If there’s a real downside, it’s the animation. Compared to recent releases from Pixar or DreamWorks, The Twits doesn’t quite measure up. The character designs are deliberately grotesque, as they should be, but the rendering sometimes feels rushed. Backgrounds lack texture, and some movements are stiff enough to break immersion. To read Ranking Shyamalan’s Hits: Which Film Defines His Legacy?
It probably won’t bother kids too much, but it’s difficult not to notice, especially when the film tries to evoke complex emotions. This is a movie that swings for relevance and substance, but doesn’t always look cinematic doing it. It made me wish the production had just a bit more time or budget to polish its visual identity.
Inventive touches and oddball charm
Despite its uneven animation, there’s a creative spirit that runs through the film. One of the nicest surprises? Sentient hairballs. Yes, you read that right. These tiny furball creatures, animated with twitchy little eyes and unpredictable movements, end up stealing a good portion of the screen time. They’re ridiculous, but oddly delightful.
Alan Tudyk’s Sweet Toed Toad also comes to life as a comic relief that doesn’t feel forced — anxious, polite, hilariously pessimistic. As someone who appreciates when voice acting can carry its own little sub-story, Tudyk’s performance really stood out amid the madness.
A daring step for family animation
At 1 hour and 38 minutes, The Twits delivers a messy, ambitious ride. It has its flaws, but there’s something refreshing about seeing a children’s film that doesn’t shy away from making a statement. Produced for Netflix by Maggie Malone and Daisy May West, written by Johnston and Meg Favreau, it’s clearly the work of artists willing to twist the rules of standard family entertainment.
Maybe it won’t be for everyone. But if you like your cartoons slightly bizarre, morally clear, and with just enough political bite to start a conversation, it’s worth your attention. Even if just to see what a mean-spirited funfair run by magical monkeys and fascist slogans looks like.
