Twisted – Movie Review (2/5)

TWISTED is a new horror-thriller from Darren Lynn Bousman, who still seems to believe he’s making a SAW movie. He certainly uses the exact same shots and cuts as he did for those. Other than that, the storyline and pacing are quite unimpressive, and the acting suffers from this as well. This movie was previously known as The Monster. Read our full Twisted movie review here!

TWISTED is Darren Lynn Bousman’s latest horror-thriller, and it was a fairly big disappointment. Seeing that I had no real expectations, that’s actually very bad. Also, it absolutely reeks of being written by men, yet starring women in key roles, and being tone deaf to so much. Even the storyline didn’t make much sense and was overly complicated.

This was like watching one of the less accomplished Saw movies, which makes perfect sense given that they were also made by Darren Lynn Bousman. If those didn’t work for you, then this one definitely won’t either. But hey, on the flip side, this also means that if you loved his Saw movies, you should enjoy this one. On IMDb, this movie is still listed under the title of The Monster.

Continue reading our Twisted movie review below. Find it on Digital and in select theaters from February 6, 2026.

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Twisted is the story of many people trying to outsmart and con each other in some way. Nobody is particularly likable, though some are less likable than others. The story opens by introducing us to two millennials who are running a con. They profit by leasing New York City apartments, owned by others, to unsuspecting renters.

The millennials – and, for the record, just using that descriptor makes it sound like a Boomer wrote the plot – are women who use their sensual feminine ways to lure poor men out of a lot of money. They think she (the women work solo when on the job) will be there waiting for them when they show up to get the keys for their new rental, so it’s almost a Pretty Woman situation.

Of course, the job we’re about to see one of them embark on will go terribly wrong. For someone seemingly so smart and experienced at what she does, there are some glaring errors made on her part. However, this time she’s up against a brilliant neurosurgeon and mad scientist… perfect for allowing Darren Lynn Bousman to create some Saw-inspired shots and wild cuts.

I was just waiting for the Saw score to begin, or Jigsaw saying he wanted to play a game.

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Also, a key part of the “plot” (and I do use that term very loosely), the two millennial women are in a relationship with each other. And no, it’s not for the sake of diversity or inclusion. Instead, it’s simply to show two hot women. Hey, as a lesbian, I don’t mind that. However, as a lesbian, I do mind when it’s clearly just made with straight, male viewers in mind.

It’s certainly not because their relationship really matters. They could have been best friends or sisters, and the story would have been the exact same, but they wouldn’t have been able to kiss. Just to set the stage and prepare you for disappointment.

In fact, if I didn’t know any better, or if Charlotte Kirk had played the lead, this could just as well have been a Neil Marshall movie.

Whether you want a solid horror thriller or to watch a love story between two women, you can find better movies, for free, on Tubi. Trust me on that one!

Watch Twisted on Digital or even in select theaters

As already mentioned, many times, the director of Twisted is Darren Lynn Bousman (Death of Me, Spiral), and the screenplay comes from Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer. These two writers previously made the screenplay for Steven Soderbergh‘s 2018 genre-mix, Unsane, starring Claire Foy.

As a result, I have to wonder if this mess isn’t much more Darren Lynn Bousman than the writers. I personally suspect as much. Also, the cast features Lauren LaVera (Terrifier 2-4), Mia Healey (The Wilds), Djimon Hounsou (A Quiet Place: Day One), Neal McDonough, Alicia Witt, and Gina Philips (Jeepers Creepers).

I have to say, the cast does their best with what they’re given to work with. No shame to them, but I am sorry they were in this.

With all the amazing movies being sent directly to VOD or streaming, I have no idea why Twisted (AKA The Monster) is getting a theatrical release. Even if it is just select theaters. I mean, I know it’s Friday the 13th next week, but still. Have some class and put some respect on this sacred horror date, would you?! Fortunately, you can check out other great releases for this day.

Twisted is coming to Digital and selected theaters on February 6, 2026.

Details

Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Screenwriters: Jonathan Bernstein, James Greer
Cast: Lauren LaVera, Mia Healey, Djimon Hounsou, Neal McDonough, Alicia Witt, Gina Philips