Twist

Twist, a 2003 crime thriller directed by Jacob Tierney and starring Nick Stahl, follows the story of Twist, a young man recently released from prison who becomes embroiled in the gritty underworld of New York City. Following his parole, Twist is drawn into a life of crime as he tries to rebuild his fractured relationships and confront the challenges of reintegrating into society. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival amidst a backdrop of urban decay and moral ambiguity. With a moody and atmospheric tone, Twist presents an intense character-driven narrative that delves into the struggles of a man caught between his past mistakes and the desire for redemption.

Critical reception of Twist was mixed to negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low approval rating of 16%, reflecting generally unfavorable reviews. Critics often cited the movie's bleak tone and uneven storytelling as major drawbacks. Metacritic gives Twist a score of 39 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews. Some reviewers appreciated Nick Stahl’s committed performance and the film’s gritty aesthetic, with The New York Times noting that ‘Stahl brings a raw intensity to the role, which is the film’s saving grace.’ However, the story and character development were criticized for lacking depth and originality. IMDb users gave the movie a moderate rating of 6.2 out of 10, suggesting a divided audience response where some viewers found merit in its atmospheric style and others found it lacking in engagement. Overall, Twist is considered a dark, stylistic thriller that struggled to resonate widely but may appeal to fans of bleak urban dramas and character studies.