🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Philip Kaufman
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Film noir
- Release year: 2004
- Runtime (length): 1h 37min
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10 (74k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 2% (168 reviews)
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A lady cop with daddy issues sleeps around and then gets REALLY bad luck with her dates, leading to a very awkward office investigation and some serious Chardonnay problems.
🍿 Twisted: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Jessica Shepard
Jessica Shepard, portrayed by Ashley Judd, is a rising star in the San Francisco Police Department. She’s known for her sharp instincts and ability to solve complex cases. However, Jessica carries the burden of a dark past: her father, a police officer himself, murdered her mother before taking his own life.

A Series of Murders
Jessica is promoted to inspector and assigned a new partner, Mike Delmarco (Andy Garcia). Their first case involves the murder of a man Jessica recently had a one-night stand with. As they investigate, more of Jessica’s former lovers turn up dead, each marked with a distinctive cigarette burn. Suspicion quickly falls on Jessica.

Jessica as a Suspect
Plagued by blackouts and struggling with a drinking problem, Jessica begins to doubt her own innocence. She wonders if she’s unconsciously committing the murders during her blackouts. Her mentor, Commissioner John Mills (Samuel L. Jackson), stands by her, but even he harbors doubts. The investigation intensifies, putting Jessica under immense pressure.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jessica Shepard (Ashley Judd): A troubled police officer investigating a series of murders where the victims are her former lovers.
- John Mills (Samuel L. Jackson): Jessica’s mentor and father figure who supports her throughout the investigation.
- Mike Delmarco (Andy Garcia): Jessica’s new partner who is initially skeptical but becomes a confidant.
- Dr. Melvin Frank (David Strathairn): A police psychiatrist who evaluates Jessica and becomes involved in the case.
- Lieutenant Tong (Russell Wong): A police lieutenant overseeing the investigation.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jessica Shepard: “Anyone who kisses me turns up dead.” – Said with dark humor, highlighting the dangerous situation Jessica finds herself in as her former lovers become murder victims.
- John Mills: “What kind of a moron tries to flush body parts down a toilet, especially when he’s got a perfectly good furnace out back?” – Delivers a dark, humorous line at a gathering, showcasing his seasoned, cynical perspective on crime.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $50,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $25,198,598
- Worldwide Gross: $40,954,603
💥 Twisted Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a fun, trashy thriller and…it kind of delivered? Ashley Judd is trying her best, and there’s something hilariously overwrought about the whole thing. I found myself laughing more than being scared, especially with the wine-induced blackouts. It’s a movie that’s so bad it’s almost good. If you want a serious thriller, avoid this. But if you’re in the mood for some unintentional comedy, ‘Twisted’ might just scratch that itch. Plus, Samuel L. Jackson is always a win, even when he looks bored.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Ashley Judd”
- “Viewers interested in crime thrillers”
- “Those who enjoy movies set in San Francisco”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sexual content”
- “Violence”
- “Strong language”
- “Alcohol abuse”
Professional Reviews
- IMDB: “Twisted boasts an impressive cast that is unfortunately wasted on a storyline that’s as predictable as it is uninspired. Ashley Judd tries her best to embody a ‘tough but troubled’ cop, but the script gives her little to work with. The ‘twists’ are visible a mile away, making for a disappointing viewing experience.
- Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite a few stylish shots of San Francisco, ‘Twisted’ falls flat with a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. The film struggles to create genuine suspense, relying instead on cheap thrills and predictable reveals. Even the presence of Samuel L. Jackson and Andy Garcia can’t elevate this messy thriller.
Audience Reactions
Some enjoyed the surprising ending, even if it felt a bit forced.: Viewers generally found the film entertaining despite its flaws, particularly if they went in with low expectations.
Many were disappointed by the predictable plot twists.: The cast was largely seen as wasted on weak material, with most viewers finding the storyline unoriginal and uninspired.
Overall Consensus: While some viewers found ‘Twisted’ to be a passable thriller, most agree that it suffers from a predictable plot, wasted potential, and overall mediocrity.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Philip Kaufman sought to create a modern film noir, drawing inspiration from classics of the genre.”
- “The film features extensive location shooting in San Francisco, aiming to capture the city’s moody and atmospheric qualities.”
- “Ashley Judd’s character was intended to challenge traditional gender roles in crime thrillers, presenting a tough and sexually assertive female protagonist.”
🖥️ How to Watch Twisted?
As of October 2024, “Twisted” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these and other digital retailers for current streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Twisted, you might like these similar films:
- Basic (2003): Features a complex murder mystery with twists and turns, similar to the suspenseful plot of ‘Twisted’.
- Kiss the Girls (1997): A psychological thriller with a strong female lead investigating a series of murders, sharing thematic elements with ‘Twisted’.
- Taking Lives (2004): Another thriller released around the same time, featuring a female FBI profiler tracking a serial killer, similar to the suspenseful tone.
🛒 Twisted Related Products
- Ashley Judd Double Feature DVD (Kiss the Girls & Double Jeopardy): A double dose of Ashley Judd in two of her most popular thriller roles. Includes ‘Kiss the Girls’ and ‘Double Jeopardy’, offering hours of suspenseful entertainment from a time when Judd was queen of the genre.
- Samuel L. Jackson Movie Collection (Pulp Fiction, The Negotiator, A Time to Kill): A must-have collection for any Samuel L. Jackson fan. Features three iconic films showcasing Jackson’s versatility and screen presence: Pulp Fiction, The Negotiator, and A Time to Kill
- Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood: A book exploring the history and themes of film noir, perfect for understanding the genre ‘Twisted’ attempts to emulate. Discover the iconic movies, directors, and actors that defined this cinematic movement, featuring insightful analysis and stunning visuals.
- San Francisco Movie Poster: A stylized poster of San Francisco showcasing its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. Capture the aesthetic and atmosphere of the film’s setting, adding a touch of cinematic flair to your living space.
🎧 Soundtrack
Twisted features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Get Up (I Feel Like Being Like a) Sex Machine” – performed by James Brown
- “Twisted” – performed by Mark Isham
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The killer is Commissioner John Mills, played by Samuel L. Jackson. He was obsessed with Jessica and murdered her lovers.
Jessica’s father was a police officer who murdered her mother and then committed suicide. This traumatic event shaped her life and left her with deep-seated insecurities and a predisposition to violence.
Twisted was filmed in San Francisco, California, showcasing iconic locations like Crissy Field and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
🔥 Bonus Content
What a Twist #memes #shorts #movie
OMG, you HAVE to see this! It’s a hilarious short about a major plot twist in the movie—I literally snorted when I saw it. Definitely worth the 30 seconds!
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