In December 2022, Netflix acquired the rights to Roald Dahl’s collection of works for over £500 million. This investment indicated a strong belief in the value of Dahl’s literary contributions. However, the streaming platform’s recent animated adaptation of “The Twits” raises concerns about its fidelity to the original material.
Alterations in Netflix’s The Twits
In the new adaptation, the portrayal of the characters and the story diverges significantly from Dahl’s original vision. While the film retains the title, the recognizability of Mr. and Mrs. Twit is severely diminished, leading to a disconnection from the source material.
Key Changes in the Adaptation
- Style and Tone: The film adopts a more generic and Americanized approach, straying from Dahl’s unique macabre humor and grotesque flair.
- Dialogue Alterations: The script shifts from themes of hatred to discussions about “hate” and “empathy.”
- Music: It includes songs by David Byrne with simplified messages that overshadow Dahl’s intricate storytelling.
- Humor Shift: The humor relies heavily on juvenile terms like “butt,” diminishing the sophistication of Dahl’s wit.
Critical Reception
This adaptation has been met with criticism for its lack of respect toward Dahl’s legacy. While it possesses commendable animation quality, it fails to capture the essence that made the original work beloved. By straying so far from the source material, Netflix’s rendition of “The Twits” exemplifies a troubling trend in literary adaptations.
The disparity between the animated film’s execution and Dahl’s storytelling ethos signifies a lost opportunity for a faithful representation. Fans of Dahl’s work are left questioning the direction taken by Netflix in this adaptation.
