The Twits Review: An Animated Roald Dahl Adaptation Bringing Back the Ugly Art Style

 

Copyright © Netflix, Netflix Animation, The Roald Dahl Story Company, Jellyfish Pictures

Title: The Twits

Director: Phil Johnston Based on: The Twits by Roald Dahl

Release Date: October 17, 2025

    Roald Dahl's works have become staple material for kids' movie adaptations. Because Netflix got a humongous success out of KPop Demon Hunters, maybe their animated films that come after it can get some attention as well. Today's movie is The Twits, Netflix's latest animated adaptation of the titular novel. For those who do not know, it is based on a novel about a cruel couple, Mr. and Mrs. Twit, playing tricks on each other, and their caged Muggle-Wumps have to fight back and free themselves from their abuse. Its critics were mixed to positive about its animation and humor, but they panned the creative liberties and predictable formula. However, audiences were more positive to praise the chaotic energy and moral lessons. In spite of being different from the book, The Twits is a quirky movie requiring lots of juvenile destruction.

Summary

   "When the meanest, nastiest villains pull a trick to take over their town, two brave children team up with a family of magical animals to bring them down." - Google

Reasons

    The magical qualities of The Twits are the expressive animation, wacky humor, and meaningful message. Unlike how other animated films are choosing the cutesy Cocomelon-esque route, this one aimed for an ugly art style, which is reminiscent of films like Paranorman and Monster House. Although it is that way, it keeps the bright colors for the kids. The short way to explain this quality is that it looks just like Roald Dahl's illustrations. To qualify as nasty, the humor is wildly hilarious. It is not afraid to use toilet humor, slapstick, and dark satire as part of the film's headline personality. No pop culture references are even involved for the sake of being funny. Besides being extremely nasty, the message is surprisingly deep. This movie tells us that hate will consume us and turn us into a monster. Similar to The Willoughbys, it also has a neglectful parent vs. responsible child plotline, along with animal abuse.
    Other magical qualities to come from The Twits are the paralleled realism, likable characters, and silly soundtrack. This movie, beyond its silly exterior, is also a realistic one. It shows environmental neglect, greed, and social commentary on our world. In addition, the family and orphanage dynamics show what having abusive parents is like. Onto the next point, the characters are likable, excluding Mr. and Mrs. Twit in moral terms. All the other characters, like Beesha and Busby, may not have much personality, but they are still fine. The other characters that were worth noting were Marty Muggle-Wump and Mary Muggle-Wump because they had actual traits and quirks. Like all other Netflix animated musical films, the songs are catchy. David Byrne (Talking Heads) composed most of the originals, including "We're Not Like Ev'ryone Else" and "Open the Door," but he managed to make the wacky musical energy work in a kids movie. The score written by Oli Julian is fun, too.
    Even though The Twits is solid, its smelly qualities are the creative liberties, shallow protagonists, and limited musical numbers. Sure, this was loosely based off of the book. However, not all liberties are fitting. If the Muggle-Wumps were the protagonists instead of random orphans, then it would be more fitting because the Twits abused the animals in the original story. Speaking of protagonists, Beesha and Busby are not that great. Sure, they are the main rebels, but they barely have any personality or quirks. Lastly, the musical numbers are limited. The movie is supposed to be a musical, so it should have had more than just four. 

Conclusion

    Albeit inspired by the book, The Twits is a solid movie that distinguishes itself from other current animated films. Sure, it's ugly and disgusting. However, its art style and humor are what make it pretty unique, especially when you compare it to something like The Garfield Movie or Sneaks. In comparison, it is not as good as KPop Demon Hunters or even Plankton: The Movie, but it should still do as a good movie. Plus, we have In Your Dreams coming next month, so let's have hope. If you like Roald Dahl movie adaptations, then this might be something awesome for you.

    Score: 7/10 (let my show you...my diarrhea!)