Here’s a bold statement: Francis Ford Coppola’s 2011 horror film Twixt, starring Val Kilmer and Elle Fanning, is a deeply personal, underrated gem that deserves a spot on your Prime Video watchlist—even if it’s not the first movie that comes to mind when you think of either actor. But here’s where it gets controversial: while critics initially dismissed it, modern audiences and fans of Coppola’s work are rediscovering its unique charm. Could this overlooked film be a cult classic in the making? Let’s dive in.
Twixt follows Hall Baltimore (Val Kilmer), a struggling novelist known for his witch-hunting fantasy stories. During a book signing in a small town, he’s lured into a macabre adventure by a fan, Bobby LaGrange (Bruce Dern), who convinces him to visit a morgue housing the victim of a serial killer. Intrigued by the town’s dark history, Baltimore decides to write a new novel—but things take a surreal turn when he begins dreaming of a twisted version of the town, where he meets V (Elle Fanning), a mysterious figure whose name stands for Virginia. As the line between reality and fiction blurs, Baltimore discovers his story is tied to his own buried guilt. And this is the part most people miss: Coppola based the film on a dream he had, infusing it with a gothic romance setting that feels both haunting and deeply personal.
Financed by Coppola himself and shot on his Napa County estate, Twixt is more than just a quirky entry in his filmography. During its 2011 press run, Coppola revealed the film was a way to confront his own guilt over the 1986 death of his son, Gian-Carlo. ‘I didn’t realize it was going to take me to something I haven’t ever admitted to myself,’ he shared at the Toronto International Film Festival. This raw vulnerability transforms Twixt into a poignant exploration of parental responsibility and grief—a far cry from your typical horror flick. But don’t just take our word for it: the film’s 39% Rotten Tomatoes score might deter some, but Letterboxd users rave about its complexity, calling it ‘hard to tease or puzzle out, but easy to love.’
Here’s another twist: during its initial screenings, Coppola edited the film in real-time based on audience feedback—a bold move that foreshadowed his later, more chaotic endeavors like 2024’s Megalopolis. While critics weren’t sold at the time, Twixt has since gained a following, with many praising Kilmer’s performance and the film’s dreamlike atmosphere. Speaking of Kilmer, his role in Twixt is a fascinating footnote in his career, especially for those who’ve seen the documentary Val, which highlights his unconventional later choices.
So, is Twixt a masterpiece or a mess? That’s up for debate. But one thing’s certain: it’s a film that rewards patience and reflection. As Coppola himself noted, ‘30 years ago, the films you think were so good were not received well. 30 years later, they’ll give you a lifetime achievement award for what you got fired for.’ Could Twixt be one of those films? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, why not stream it on Prime Video (or Pluto for free) and decide for yourself? And here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era of blockbuster horror, do we appreciate films like Twixt enough for their ambition and emotional depth? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take.
