Twist (2021)

Twist takes the bones of Dickens and gives them a slick, street-level jolt, turning modern London into a neon-lit playground of parkour chases, quick cons, and heist energy. It’s a light, fast-moving crime romp that knows how to have fun with its own remix, helped along by a game cast—Michael Caine brings a lived-in charm, while Lena Headey adds a hard edge that keeps the danger feeling real. The movie’s biggest pleasure is its vibe: part caper, part urban fairy tale, with graffiti-splashed style and momentum that rarely lets up. If you want a faithful, solemn adaptation, this isn’t that—but if you’re in the mood for a contemporary, easy-to-watch spin with action and attitude, it’s an entertaining ride.

Twist is clearly trying to mash Dickens into a slick, modern London heist movie, with parkour, graffiti, and swagger taking the place of soot and workhouses. The problem is that it feels like it’s wearing the Oliver Twist name as a costume: the plot hits familiar beats in a pretty formulaic way, and the dialogue and direction can come off loud rather than sharp. If you want a smart, fresh reimagining or a genuinely tense crime thriller, this may test your patience and feel a bit pointless. Still, if you’re in the mood for glossy, fast-moving pulp with a few fun set pieces and the novelty of seeing Michael Caine as Fagin, it can pass the time.