Review: Twilight (2008)

A Cult Classic That Defined a Generation of Vampires and Romance

Twilight (2008), directed by Catherine Hardwicke and based on Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling novel, catapulted into pop culture as the first film in a saga that would become a worldwide phenomenon. With its mix of supernatural drama, teen angst, and a love triangle involving a human girl, a vampire, and a werewolf, Twilight captured the imagination of millions. Though it received mixed critical reviews, the film’s legacy endures, with an entire generation of fans fondly remembering the sparkly vampires, intense romance, and supernatural intrigue.

Plot Overview

Twilight follows Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), a teenage girl who moves to the small, rainy town of Forks, Washington, to live with her father. It doesn’t take long before Bella is drawn into a world she never could have imagined when she meets Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a mysterious and aloof student at her high school. Edward reveals that he is a vampire, and the two are soon entangled in a forbidden love that could cost them both their lives. As Bella becomes more involved with Edward and his family, she is thrust into a dangerous world filled with supernatural creatures, as well as the threat of rival vampires.

The film is a delicate balance between Bella’s emotional journey of self-discovery, her deepening relationship with Edward, and the dangers of being involved with a vampire. It is a coming-of-age story that is also deeply infused with the lore of the supernatural, creating an atmosphere of both passion and peril.

The Good: Strong Performances, Atmosphere, and Themes

1. Captivating Romance
At the heart of Twilight is the intense and obsessive romance between Bella and Edward. Their relationship, fraught with longing and desire, feels electric on screen, fueled by the chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. The film capitalizes on the allure of forbidden love, as Edward’s vampire nature makes their connection dangerous and complicated. While the dialogue can be melodramatic at times, the performances of the lead actors ground the relationship in emotional sincerity. Stewart’s portrayal of Bella captures the character’s sense of longing and vulnerability, while Pattinson’s Edward exudes an enigmatic, brooding charm that leaves audiences captivated by his every move.

2. Strong Atmosphere and Visuals
Catherine Hardwicke’s direction lends the film an atmospheric, moody quality that complements the tone of the story. The grey skies, dark forests, and misty settings of Forks, Washington, add to the sense of isolation and mystery that permeates the film. The cinematography effectively enhances the supernatural elements, with ethereal lighting and subtle visual cues that highlight the world of vampires and otherworldly forces.

The sparkling effect of Edward’s skin when exposed to sunlight became one of the film’s most iconic visuals. While some viewers have found it cheesy, it undeniably added a unique twist to the vampire lore, making the glittering skin both a distinctive and memorable feature of the film’s take on vampires.

3. Themes of Identity and Belonging
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its exploration of identity and belonging. Bella’s struggle with fitting in at her new school and her eventual embrace of her relationship with Edward speaks to the universal feeling of searching for one’s place in the world. As Bella grows more connected to Edward and his family, she begins to find a sense of purpose and self-acceptance, even if it means facing life-threatening danger. The film taps into adolescent themes of alienation and the desire to be understood, making Bella’s journey relatable to many viewers, especially teenagers.

The Weaknesses: Slow Pacing, Dialogue, and Limited Depth

1. Slow Pacing and Lack of Action
Twilight is often criticized for its slow pacing, especially when compared to other vampire or supernatural thrillers. The majority of the film focuses on building the emotional and romantic tension between Bella and Edward, which, while compelling, leads to extended sequences where little action takes place. The slow pacing can be frustrating for viewers who are expecting more excitement or a faster-moving narrative. For those invested in the romance, the pace will feel intentional, but for others, it may drag on.

2. Wooden Dialogue and Stilted Delivery
One of the film’s biggest criticisms is its dialogue, which often comes across as melodramatic and stilted. Some of the lines, particularly between Bella and Edward, can feel clunky or overly scripted, detracting from the emotional weight of certain scenes. While this fits the angsty teen romance atmosphere of the film, it also leads to moments that may feel unintentionally comical or awkward, especially in a film that takes itself so seriously. The dialogue is certainly one of the elements that hasn’t aged well, and for some viewers, it can be a hurdle in fully immersing themselves in the story.

3. Limited Character Development for Supporting Cast
While the central romance between Bella and Edward receives ample screen time, many of the supporting characters are underdeveloped. Characters like Jacob (Taylor Lautner), Alice (Ashley Greene), and even the members of the Cullen family don’t receive as much exploration. Jacob’s role, for instance, remains more of a love triangle foil, without much development or depth. While future films in the saga give more focus to these characters, Twilight leaves much to be desired in terms of their backstory and motivations.

Themes and Messages

Twilight delves into themes of forbidden love, personal sacrifice, and the search for identity. The relationship between Bella and Edward is characterized by intense desire and emotional dependency, making it both romantic and toxic in equal measure. The film raises questions about the nature of love, obsession, and the lengths one will go to in order to be with the person they love. Bella’s willingness to accept the dangers of being with Edward and her growing attachment to the world of vampires suggests an underlying message about the intensity of young love, where emotional stakes often outweigh practical concerns.

The film also touches on the idea of transformation, both literal and figurative. Edward’s desire to make Bella immortal so that they can be together forever is a manifestation of the idealized nature of their love. Bella’s internal journey, from being a quiet, uncertain girl to embracing her role in the supernatural world, mirrors her evolution into a stronger, more self-assured character. The film portrays a coming-of-age story intertwined with supernatural forces, offering an exploration of how young love can shape one’s identity.

Standout Moments

• The Baseball Scene
  One of the most iconic scenes in Twilight is the baseball sequence, where the Cullen family plays an intense game in a thunderstorm. This scene combines the excitement of action with the fantastical, as the Cullen family’s supernatural abilities are on full display. The scene’s energy, set to Muse’s “Supermassive Black Hole,” is both thrilling and visually stunning, showcasing the unique elements of the vampire world that the film has established.
• The Final Confrontation
  The film’s final confrontation between Bella, Edward, and the vampire James (Cam Gigandet) is one of the most suspenseful moments in the movie. It ramps up the tension and stakes, introducing danger into Bella’s previously relatively safe world. This climactic moment, while not as action-packed as later films in the series, still brings a much-needed sense of urgency and peril to the plot.

Final Thoughts

Twilight (2008) is an atmospheric, emotionally charged film that introduces audiences to a world where love and danger intertwine in a supernatural setting. While the film has its fair share of weaknesses, including its slow pacing, clunky dialogue, and limited character development, its impact on popular culture is undeniable. The film’s unique blend of romance, fantasy, and suspense, coupled with the undeniable chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, has solidified Twilight as a cult classic that continues to captivate fans. For viewers who embrace the emotional intensity and supernatural intrigue, Twilight offers a compelling introduction to a saga that would continue to evolve and expand over the course of its sequels.

Rating: 6.5/10

A guilty pleasure for many, Twilight is an angsty, moody tale of forbidden love that has stood the test of time, despite its flaws.