Twist and Shout Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Twist and Shout Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 7, 2025

1984’s “Twist and Shout” is often labeled as a sequel to 1983’s “Zappa.” Technically, this is true, as the story follows most of the same characters established in the original film, and co-writers Bille August (who also directs) and Bjarne Reuter (who adapts his novel) return to maintain exploratory momentum, catching up with the kids as they turn into adults, mostly against their will. Familiar faces are present, but “Twist and Shout” doesn’t feel organically connected to “Zappa,” as the production heads in a slightly more melodramatic direction for the follow-up, while characterizations feel alien this time around, often watching the personalities make the strangest choices in an offering that’s ultimately unsuccessful when it comes to probing the needs of the young adult heart.

It’s 1963, and Beatlemania has come for Copenhagen. Bjorn (Adam Tonsberg) is now an older teen, remaining in a relationship with his previous object of desire, Kirsten (Ulrikke Bondo). However, he’s only as faithful as his options, turning his gaze to Anna (Camilla Soeberg), a new face on the scene, and he’s determined to catch her attention. Erik (Lars Simonsen) is Bjorn’s best friend, and he’s struggling with many things, including his intense attraction to Kirsten, finding ways to get alone with his crush. And there’s his Mother (Aase Hansen), who’s succumbing to mental illness, while his Father (Arne Hansen) remains controlling, trying to keep his son from treating his ailing mother with compassion. As the year passes, challenges of loyalty and discovery are encountered, putting Bjorn and Erik on separate paths as they begin to take control of their lives.

The Beatles have broken through, and while the feature is titled “Twist and Shout,” Beatlemania doesn’t factor into most of the movie. The production uses the sugar rush of rock and roll to power the first act, finding Bjorn responding enthusiastically to the new sound, looking to purchase a Beatles suit and start a band, The Sea Lions, who hope to dazzle girls at a local dance hall. It’s amusing to return to this moment in time, and Beatle-obsession is a natural way to supercharge adolescent fixations, with Bjorn suddenly not too delighted to stay in a relationship with Kirsten, turning his attention to Anna. “Twist and Shout” moves rather abruptly with this section of the story, as Bjorn just suddenly decides to date Anna without breaking up with Kirsten, emerging in the film as a cruel young man, which tends to erase all the emotional development that was established in “Zappa.” For this new movie, Bjorn needs to be callous, creating some turmoil as he becomes a bully in many ways, which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

While Bjorn returns to continue his teenage interests, Erik is actually the main character of “Twist and Shout.” A shy young man, Erik has burning desires, especially for Kirsten, forced to swallow his feelings around Bjorn while he works to find alone time with his object of desire. The most interesting addition to the story is Erik’s complicated feelings of shame and frustration with Mother, who isn’t allowed to leave her house, wandering around unwashed and confused, which ends up killing off whatever morsel of interest Kirsten shows in him. Erik is troubled, and is sent through an emotional obstacle course during “Twist and Shout,” often dealing with Father, who tries to hammer down his son’s love for Mother, concerned for her care and future. The screenplay spends a lot of time with Father and son, tracking how parent concern is masking other behaviors and choices, putting Erik on a mission to stand up for himself while attempting to make sense of his furious feelings.

“Twist and Shout” takes a few odd detours. When Anna goes away on a three-day vacation, Bjorn launches into comedic visions of jealousy, imagining all the men going after his girl, which represents the feature’s lone attempt at humor. August and Reuter are mostly interested in severity, including a trip to a back alley abortion clinic, detailing physical anguish. And they attempt to transform Bjorn into a tormented teen forced to choose between the woman he, well, chose, and his latest obsession, feeling the burn of love for Anna. The writing turns Kirsten into something of a villain, which is bizarre to see, disrupting “Twist and Shout” as characterization starts to feel unnatural.

Twist and Shout Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation (1.85:1 aspect ratio) for "Twist and Shout" does amazingly well with color. Primaries are especially vivid during the viewing experience, offering brightness on costuming (Kirsten's appearance offers distinct hues) and decorative additions. Hair and eye color is also strong. Cooler hues are found with snowy locations, and greenery is exact. Skin tones are natural. Detail is excellent, capturing differences in age on the cast and their period appearance, extending to hairstyles and fibrous clothing. Interiors are deep, exploring living spaces and a performance hall. Exteriors offer dimension, capturing the vastness of some locations. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavier and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Twist and Shout Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides clear dialogues exchanges for "Twist and Shout," which covers quieter emotional moments and more explosive argumentative ones with capable balance. Scoring selections provide sharp instrumentation and dramatic support. Soundtrack selections and musical performance are also crisp, with define vocals. Atmospherics are appreciable.

Twist and Shout Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (31:06, HD) is a conversation with director Bille August, who discusses his journey to author Bjarne Reuter, who captured the experience of adolescence at a time when the concept of the "teenager" really started to take shape. Responding to the characterization and dramatic possibilities of Reuter's writing, August began work on an adaptation of "Zappa," developing a viable screenplay before launching a casting search, tasked with the management of children, trying to figure out such a professional challenge. Focus is turned to star Adam Tonsberg, who was a newcomer to the business, going on to star in "Twist and Shout." The use of violence is analyzed, with August looking to confront certain emotional and physical realities. Talk turns to "Twist and Shout," as August and Reuter wanted to continue their interest in formative years, interested in exploring new characters and psychological challenges. The interviewee compares the tonal differences between the two movies, hunting for "texture" with different tales of maturation and truth. And technical achievements are noted, including work on musical scenes for "Twist and Shout."

• "Secrets in the Soul: The Coming-of-Age Films of Bille August" (10:48, HD) is a video essay by Jordan Cronk.

• And a Compilation Trailer (1:46, HD) is included.

Twist and Shout Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

More hysterical behavior comes for "Twist and Shout" in its final act, along with weird turns of plot, including Bjorn's sudden commitment to a future he doesn't want. The picture doesn't connect in the same manner "Zappa" did, and August can't achieve the same intimacy with the characters, preferring to get a little too broad and prolonged as confrontations about personal conduct begin. There's fun with Beatlemania, and it's interesting to see the characters mature in some ways, but August and Reuter fail to develop the world of "Zappa" for "Twist and Shout," showing serious strain as they introduce television-style dramatics for the disappointing film.