Twist (2003)
A raw Canadian reimagining of Dickens's Oliver Twist, trading the Victorian poorhouse for drug-fueled streets and survival hustling.
Twist - Movie Information
- Original Title: Twist
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Jacob Tierney
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 7, 2003 (Canada - 18A), January 26, 2004 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Victorious Films, Dandelion Entertainment Ventures
- Production Countries: Canada
Twist - Plot
In a gritty retelling of the Dickens's classic, Twist takes Oliver and the Artful Dodger out of the poorhouse and onto the streets, where junk is the currency and hustling is the game.
Twist - Trailer
See the streets come alive in the official trailer for Twist.
Boys do what boys must!
Where to Watch Twist
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Twist - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Jacob Tierney
Main Cast
- Nick Stahl
- Joshua Close
- Gary Farmer
- Michèle-Barbara Pelletier
- Tygh Runyan
- Stephen McHattie
- Moti Yona
- Brigid Tierney
- Maxwell McCabe-Lokos
- Andre Noble
Writers
- Jacob Tierney
Producers
- Victoria Hirst
Twist - FAQs
Is Twist based on a true story or book?
Twist is not based on a true story but is a loose adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel Oliver Twist. Director Jacob Tierney transplants the story from Victorian London to contemporary Canadian streets, swapping the poorhouse for a world of drug hustling and survival sex work.
What is Twist about?
Twist reimagines Dickens's Oliver Twist as a raw, modern street drama set in Canada. Young Oliver falls in with the Artful Dodger and a crew of street hustlers where drugs are the currency and survival means selling yourself. It's a bleak, unflinching look at youth on the margins.
Who are the main actors in Twist?
Nick Stahl leads the cast as Dodge (the Artful Dodger), with Joshua Close as Oliver. The supporting cast includes Gary Farmer as Fagin, Michèle-Barbara Pelletier as Nancy, Tygh Runyan as David, and Stephen McHattie as The Senator, among others.
How does Twist differ from Oliver Twist?
Rather than Victorian London's pickpockets and orphanages, Twist relocates the story to modern Canadian streets where the characters survive through drug dealing and sex work. The film also foregrounds queer themes, giving the relationship between Oliver and Dodge a romantic dimension absent from Dickens's original.
Where can you watch Twist online?
You can watch Twist on Amazon Video, where it's available to rent or buy. For a full overview of current streaming and viewing options in your region, JustWatch is a great place to check for the latest availability.
What is the age rating for Twist?
Twist is rated R in the United States, reflecting its mature and unflinching content. The film deals with drug use, sex work, and street violence, making it strictly for adult audiences. In Canada, it was originally released with an 18A rating.
When was Twist released?
Twist had its Canadian premiere on September 7, 2003, with an 18A rating. It then received a US release on January 26, 2004, rated R. The film was directed by Jacob Tierney and produced by Victoria Hirst through Victorious Films and Dandelion Entertainment Ventures.
What are movies similar to Twist?
If Twist resonated with you, films like Red Rock West (1993), The King Is Alive (2000), and La León (2007) offer similarly raw, character-driven drama. For other Dickens-inspired or street-survival stories, The Wedding Banquet (1993) and Alice (1990) are also worth exploring.
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