Love, Lies, and the Road Between Them

Read Time:5 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Egghead & Twinkie
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Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 2023, 2025
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Sarah Kambe Holland
Writer(s): Sarah Kambe Holland
Cast: Sabrina Jie-A-Fa, Louis Tomeo, Ayden Lee, Asahi Hirano, Kelley Mauro, J. Scott Browning, Roger Greco, Bryson JonSteele, Janelle Pham, Julian Smith
Where to Watch: Available on Demand April 29, 2025 (U.S. & Canada)

RAVING REVIEW: This project brings an unparalleled energy to the coming-of-age genre, blending its Gen Z identity with a sense of emotional growth, expressive visuals, and a leading performance that anchors everything with genuine feeling. It may seem like a light-hearted road trip story, but beneath the surface lies a layered exploration of queerness, identity, and friendship that knows when to play things light and when to let its heart show.

The story centers on a teenager navigating multiple aspects of her identity—her culture, her sexuality, and her place within her own story. She’s adopted, trying to bridge her Asian American roots with the reality of growing up in a predominantly white household. Add to that the complication of an online crush and a plan to meet said crush without revealing the real reason for a spontaneous road trip, and you’ve got the bones of a classic teen dramedy film. However, what sets this film apart from more familiar entries is its blend of quirky comedy, creative animation, and a sincere portrayal of self-discovery.

Colorful animated inserts, energetic graphic overlays, and expressive title cards are used not just as aesthetic flair but to externalize emotion in a way that matches the character’s passions and worldview. Think text messages floating on screen and mood-drenched doodles that echo inner thoughts—tools that could easily be gimmicky, but here serve a clear narrative function.

At the core of the film is the character dynamic between its leads. The young woman at the heart of the story, Twinkie, is sincere, sharp, and figuring herself out in real time. Sabrina Jie-A-Fa delivers that internal battle with nuance—never leaning too hard into melodrama, but also not afraid to let vulnerability through. Her best friend and co-pilot in this journey brings a different kind of challenge to the story. Louis Tomeo’s Egghead starts off feeling like the “nice guy” trope, harboring unspoken feelings and quietly pining, but the film shifts away from dragging that dynamic out. He becomes more compelling once the romantic angle is put to rest, and his role shifts from wanting something from Twinkie to being there for her, unconditionally.

There’s a character introduced midway—another queer young woman, Jess (Asahi Hirano,) with a no-nonsense attitude and a low-key charm—who provides one of the film’s best scenes. Rather than serving as a plot device or comic relief, she becomes a mirror for the protagonist, gently helping her process the complexities of identity, appearance, and heritage. It’s a casual moment that carries unexpected weight and lets both characters grow in small, specific ways.

The film never loses its sense of purpose. It isn’t trying to be a loud, all-encompassing declaration; instead, it embraces the smaller victories of self-realization and the complicated comfort of chosen families. The character arc is less about transformation and more about confirmation—recognizing who you are, even when it feels like others won’t. In this way, the film’s greatest strength lies in its tone. It’s earnest without being naive, goofy without losing focus, and lighthearted without glossing over the emotional truth of its characters.

There's a rhythm to the storytelling that keeps the narrative moving, even during dialogue-heavy scenes. And while the runtime clocks in under 90 minutes, the journey never feels rushed. If anything, a few more minutes to let some scenes breathe wouldn’t have hurt (I’m personally rooting for a sequel.)

From a directorial standpoint, Sarah Kambe Holland shows an instinct for visual storytelling and a clear affection for her characters. The film never feels like it’s judging its protagonists. Instead, it invites us to root for them even when they make mistakes, and that empathy radiates off the screen.

Ultimately, the road trip structure serves its purpose perfectly, providing a framework for self-reflection and personal growth. It’s less about the destination and more about what’s uncovered along the way. With a blend of honest storytelling, unexpected humor, and stylish animation, the film lands as a vibrant character study disguised as a teen comedy. Even when it follows familiar tracks, it does so with enough personality and sincerity to make the journey worthwhile. This is the kind of movie that speaks directly to the people who need it most, while still offering something for those on the outside looking in. And in a cinematic world often filled with noise, that quiet intentionality makes all the difference.

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[photo courtesy of CANBEDONE FILMS, ORANGE CAT FILMS]

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