Twisted is a new horror film from Darren Lynn Bousman, a director whose fingerprints are permanently etched into the genre thanks to his work on the Saw series. Bousman helped elevate that franchise into a cultural phenomenon, and while he has since explored more indie, offbeat projects, Twisted feels like a confident return to form. It showcases his signature blend of atmosphere, psychological tension, and character-driven horror, reminding audiences why his voice remains so distinct within modern genre filmmaking.
Lauren LaVera as Paloma in the Horror, Thriller, Suspense film, TWISTED. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its casting, particularly of Lauren LaVera, who broke out in a major way with Terrifier (2016). Here, she is finally given a more grounded, emotionally textured character, and the results are exhilarating. LaVera proves she’s more than just a scream queen; she brings nuance, vulnerability, and raw intensity to her role, anchoring the film with a performance that keeps the audience invested even when the narrative dips into familiar territory. Watching her navigate fear, resilience, and moral ambiguity makes Twisted feel more human than many contemporary horror films which rely solely on shock value.
Equally impressive is Djimon Hounsou, who delivers his strongest performance since Blood Diamond (2006). Hounsou adds a level of gravitas and emotional weight that elevates the material, giving his character a sense of weary depth that lingers long after the credits roll. His presence alone adds credibility, but it’s the sincerity of his performance that truly strengthens the film’s emotional core. In a genre often dominated by archetypes, Hounsou’s character feels lived-in and real, grounding the supernatural or psychological elements with a powerful sense of humanity.
Neal McDonough as Bradshaw in the Horror, Thriller, Suspense film, TWISTED. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise of Twisted is Neal McDonough, who absolutely brings the house down with a standout performance. After projects like The Last Rodeo (2025), McDonough seems to have found his footing again here, reminding audiences of the commanding screen presence that made him such a compelling actor in earlier roles. He’s intense without being cartoonish, restrained without feeling flat, and his performance adds a layer of unpredictability that enhances the film’s tension. It’s genuinely refreshing to see him back in the spotlight delivering work that feels both energized and purposeful.
That said, Twisted isn’t without its shortcomings. While it’s more than a serviceable genre film and often rises above expectations, it does lean on familiar horror tropes that occasionally hold it back from achieving true greatness. Certain plot turns feel predictable and some scares rely on conventions we’ve seen many times before. These moments don’t ruin the experience, but they do prevent the film from reaching the upper echelon of modern horror. There are flashes of something more daring here, and one can’t help but wish the film leaned even harder into its more original ideas.
Djimon Hounsou as Dr. Kezian in the Horror, Thriller, Suspense film, TWISTED. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
Still, what Twisted does exceptionally well is pacing. Clocking in at a tight 93 minutes, the film never overstays its welcome. Bousman keeps the story moving, cutting away excess fat and focusing on momentum, character, and atmosphere. In an era where many horror films feel bloated or overly indulgent, Twisted is refreshingly concise. It gets to the point, delivers its thrills, and leaves the audience satisfied rather than exhausted.
Ultimately, Twisted is a fun, engaging, and well-crafted horror film that showcases Darren Lynn Bousman’s continued relevance in the genre. With strong performances from Lauren LaVera, Djimon Hounsou, and a career-revitalizing turn for Neal McDonough, the film rises above standard fare even if it occasionally falls back on familiar tropes. It may not redefine horror, but it certainly reminds us why well-executed genre films can still deliver an exhilarating time at the movies.
Available on digital February 6th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official Paramount Pictures Twisted webpage.
Final Score: 2.5 out of 5.
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