Roommates (2026) Review!!

Synopsis – When a hopeful, naive college freshman, Devon, asks the cool and confident Celeste to be her roommate, a blossoming friendship spirals into a war of passive aggression.

My Take – Adam Sandler’s partnership with Netflix shows no signs of slowing, with Happy Madison continuing to deliver a steady stream of comedies each year. While many of these releases lean toward the disposable, recent projects have taken a more interesting turn, backing sharp and offbeat teen stories often directed by women and centered on the anxieties of a younger generation. His daughters frequently headline these films, and though the nepotism is obvious, the results have been stronger than expected.

The newest entry fits neatly into this trend. Sandler himself is absent, but his comedic DNA is everywhere. Director Chandler Levack, who previously paid tribute to the performer in I Like Movies (2022), channels that influence into a lively blend of college humor and familiar Sandler-style quirks. The film balances breezy teen comedy with biting social satire and character-driven drama, creating a story that feels both hilarious and uncomfortably real.

The lively performances capture the chaos of college friendships with exaggerated flair, yet the emotional truth beneath the antics keeps it grounded. It may not revolutionize the genre, but the absurdity of the final act pushes the film into memorable territory. With sharp gags, slapstick energy, and even a burst of anarchic destruction, it delivers a consistently entertaining ride that proves Happy Madison’s recent pivot is paying off.

The story begins when two roommates, Auguste (Ivy Wolk) and Luna (Storm Reid), become a source of contention on campus, are sent to the Dr. Robyn Schilling (Sarah Sherman), Walton College’s Dean of Student Life. As she wants them to settle up their feud, she tells them a story about two former students and roommates, who ended up in an all-out war: Devon (Sadie Sandler) and Celeste (Chloe East). Devon had been kind of a loner her whole life.

Not quite a full-blown nerd, she’s still something of an outsider among the more popular girls she longs to befriend—girls who, in a passive-aggressive way, tend to mock her. When she arrives at college, it initially seems like she’ll fall into a similar dynamic with her new peers. But then Celeste appears at her orientation camp, and the two bond over the following week. The two decide to room together in the fall but over a few months, Devon and Celeste have typical, but frustrating, roommate problems. However, after a disastrous Thanksgiving week, their relationship devolves into dangerous territory.

Drawing inspiration from Heathers (1988) and Superbad (2007), the dynamic between Devon and Celeste becomes the film’s strongest asset, capturing the odd intimacy of freshman friendships and the fragile boundaries that define them. Their frustrations stem from familiar college irritations like awkward encounters, borrowed clothes, clashing personalities, but as Celeste’s behavior grows increasingly obsessive, the story shifts into darker territory.

Although the film carries an R rating, it rarely strays from Happy Madison’s PG sensibilities, resulting in a messy yet intriguing blend. Director Levack grounds the absurdity with moments of genuine emotional depth, while Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara O’Sullivan’s screenplay combines perceptive, age-appropriate dialogue with the broader comedic streak associated with Sandler’s brand. The result is an engaging portrait of young adulthood, charting how quickly friendships can form and just as suddenly collapse.

At its heart, the narrative explores the awkward transition from childhood to adulthood, where mistakes are inevitable and identity is still in flux. Devon’s journey reflects the universal struggle of finding oneself in college, navigating the fragile line between camaraderie and rivalry. Even if the ending feels more aggressive than earned, the film stands out for its incisive look at the volatility of nineteen and twenty-year-olds stepping into adulthood. With no clear heroes or villains, it thrives on the clash of perspectives, making for an unsettling yet perceptive entry in the Sandler canon.

Performance wise, Sadie Sandler proves herself an effective comedy leading lady, delivering a grounded turn that blends awkward charm with emotional vulnerability. Over the course of the film she finds her voice and confidence, while her every woman appeal and sharp comic timing make Devon’s clumsy, funny moments land with ease.

Opposite her, Chloe East continues to impress, bringing charisma and an edge that naturally draws viewers in. Nick Kroll and Natasha Lyonne leave a memorable impression as Devon’s parents, while Aidan Langford contributes to one of the film’s more touching threads.

The supporting ensemble that comprises of Billy Bryk, Janeane Garofalo, Jaya Harper, Martin Herlihy, Carol Kane, Bailee Madison, Bella Murphy, Storm Reid, Francesca Scorsese, Josh Segarra, Sarah Sherman, and Ivy Wolk also consistently hit the right notes. On the whole, ‘Roommates’ is a charming comedy that captures the chaos and relatability of college friendships, blending humor, discomfort, and emotional truth into an engaging portrait of young adulthood.