Picture this: a heart-wrenching showdown where the most despicable duo imaginable unleashes their venom on a group of resilient orphans, all wrapped in a bizarre and unsettling trailer that leaves you questioning the depths of human (or should I say, inhuman) cruelty. That's the gripping essence of Netflix's upcoming animated take on Roald Dahl's The Twits, and trust me, it's got the potential to spark some serious debates about morality and mischief in children's stories. But here's where it gets controversial – is this dark humor a clever way to teach empathy, or does it risk glorifying the very nastiness it aims to condemn? Stick around, because we're diving deep into the trailer, the story, and the star-studded team behind it, with plenty of insights to keep you hooked.
In the fresh trailer for Netflix's The Twits, Emilia Clarke, voicing the spirited Pippa, delivers a powerful line: 'I don’t want to live in a world where hate wins.' And honestly, who could argue with that? It's a sentiment that resonates deeply as Netflix keeps breathing new life into the whimsical yet often wicked world of Roald Dahl – the beloved British author known for classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, whose tales blend fantasy, humor, and sharp social commentary. This latest adaptation is an animated film that pits a thoroughly unpleasant married couple against plucky orphans and adorable, chaotic furry beings, delivering a mix of sophisticated themes and slapstick laughs that echoes the innovative style of studios like LAIKA, famous for stop-motion gems such as Coraline and ParaNorman. It's a unique blend that promises to entertain while making you ponder the bigger picture.
For those new to the story, let's break it down simply: The Twits follows Mr. and Mrs. Twit, portrayed as the absolute worst – the foulest, most odious, and downright revolting people you'd ever encounter. They wage an epic feud against a clan of magical Muggle-Wumps (think mischievous, furry creatures with a penchant for pranks) and two courageous kids determined to thwart their reign of meanness. This isn't just mindless fun; it's a tale that tackles the timeless struggle between cruelty and kindness, reminding us that even in a world of tricks and traps, empathy can triumph.
And this is the part most people miss – the film isn't just a lighthearted romp. Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Phil Johnston, who previously worked on hits like Zootopia, The Twits reimagines Dahl's iconic characters, Jim and Credenza Twit, in their debut animated feature. The plot centers on this vile pair, who not only embody every imaginable vice but also run the most appalling, perilous, and downright foolish amusement park ever: Twitlandia. When the Twits seize control of their town, those brave children and the magical Muggle-Wumps must outsmart them with clever schemes to rescue the community. Packed with Dahl's signature gags – like the infamous Wormy Spaghetti (a dish that's exactly what it sounds like, full of wriggly surprises) and the Dreaded Shrinks (a shrinking potion that turns the tables on the bullies) – it's a wildly hilarious adventure. Yet, beneath the laughs, it's a timely narrative about the ongoing fight against intolerance and for compassion, much like how modern stories address bullying or prejudice in everyday life.
Johnston helms the project, with Katie Shanahan and Todd Demong as co-directors. The screenplay comes from Johnston and Meg Favreau, and the animation is brought to life by Jellfish Pictures, the studio behind the animated The Bad Guys. In a delightful quote from Johnston, he shares his excitement: 'I still can’t quite believe that I spent the last few years collaborating with David Byrne, a musical hero of mine since I was 13. From the first demo he sent me, featuring a 100-year-old banjolele as the star instrument, I knew I was going to love the songs he wrote. Throughout the process, my collaboration with David has been incredibly fun and surprisingly easy, probably because I’ve been stealing from him for so long. When David and I started talking about an end credit song, the first potential collaborator David brought up was Hayley Williams. The first word I said was ‘yes.’ Followed by ‘please.’ I still can’t quite believe that two of my favorite songwriters wrote a song together for The Twits. The saying, ‘never meet your heroes’ simply does not apply here. I met two of them, and boy howdy, it’s been a dream come true.'
To add even more flair, the film features original music from Talking Heads legend David Byrne and Paramore's Hayley Williams, blending quirky tunes with the story's eccentric vibe. The voice cast is a who's who of talent, including Margo Martindale (from The Americans and The Sticky), Johnny Vegas (Benidorm and Bleak House), Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Never Have I Ever and Freakier Friday), Ryan Lopez (Primos and Phineas and Ferb), Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones), Natalie Portman (Black Swan and Fountain of Youth), Timothy Simons (Nobody Wants This and Veep), Nicole Byer (Long Story Short and Why Won’t You Date Me?), Jason Mantzoukas (Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Big Mouth), Alan Tudyk (Andor and Superman), Mark Proksch (What We Do in the Shadows and Better Call Saul), Rebecca Wisocky (Ghosts and Devious Maids), and Charlie Berens (Green and Gold). It's a stellar lineup that brings Dahl's characters to life with humor and heart.
Now, here's a thought to chew on: While The Twits champions the underdogs and condemns cruelty, some might argue that depicting such vile antagonists in detail could inadvertently normalize or even entertain the very behaviors it critiques – especially in a kids' film. Is this a bold way to educate about empathy, or does it cross into glorifying darkness for laughs? What do you think about this trailer? Have you ever read Roald Dahl's book as a child, and how does this adaptation compare? Do you believe stories like this help teach important lessons, or do they risk being too intense? Share your opinions in the comments below – I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a fresh take on it!
Source: Netflix
