twist

SYNOPSIS - TWIST

From Canada comes this dark and
queer adaptation of Charles Dickens’
“Oliver Twist.”

REVIEW

Charles Dickens "Oliver Twist" has
been uprooted and turned upside
down in this dark queer adaptation.
Set on the cold winter streets of
Toronto, young filmmaker Jacob
Tierney has turned the pickpockets
into junky/hustlers and Fagin into a
pimp. And unlike the inevitable Dickens
happy ending, Twist is no picnic. The
cast is first-rate, the script and
direction assured and the set suitably
dark and dreary. Prepare for a rocky
ride, there are no rousing musical
numbers with boys lined up to get their
gruel!

Dodge (Stahl) is an experienced
hustler -- he knows the streets and
their dangers all too well. One night he
picks up the sweet Oliver, a runaway
who he introduces to hustling and his
way of life. Oliver has an immediate
crush on Dodge so he follows the
fellow right into the hands of Fagin and
his never-seen boss, the much-feared
Bill. Even though this "family" has its
obvious share of problems, they seem
a lot better than the series of foster
homes Oliver comes from. Expect fine
performances from the entire cast, a
tight script and outstanding direction
from first-timer Jacob Tierney.

Scott Cranin