In 2008, the first Twilight movie was released in the United States. The book series it was based on had already gained best-seller status and a devoted fanbase, but the five movies known as The Twilight Saga propelled this supernatural romance to unbelievable heights. Everyone had something to love, hate, or comment about regarding the forbidden love story between paranormal creatures and humans.
More than a decade since the last of the films was released, the Twilight Saga remains a pop culture sensation. Much of the conversation around it has changed over the years as its primary fanbase has grown into adulthood. Many have called into question the details that kept the public swooning. The implications of so much that makes the series what it is looks much different in public opinion than they did while it was in the height of its popularity.
The Binge Watcher’s Guide to the Twilight Saga aims to explore this work with a critical and respectful eye as you watch. Consider it your slightly judgmental best friend. This guide also includes movie trivia, soundtrack lists, and the series’ Lore. It’s a one stop shop to all you need to know about the films. Whether you’re a first time watcher or a long time fan, the book will accompany you on the journey that is the Twilight movies.
For the sake of transparency, Rachel and I have been Tik Tok/general internet friends for a couple years now. That paired with the hardcore Twilight obsession of my youth may be subconsciously influencing my opinion of this book, but I'll try to be as unbiased as I can humanly manage!
This is a comprehensive guide to the Twilight films that includes everything from character breakdowns to lore to fun facts, with the bulk of its contents dedicated to breaking down each individual film. The back of this book says to "consider it your slightly judgmental best friend," and I think that's an apt descriptor. I had a blast marathoning these films and coming back to this guide to debrief after watching each movie. The style of writing is conversational and full of personality. Even when I don't necessarily agree with Rachel's particular opinions on the series (re: being Team Jacob), I genuinely appreciate hearing their perspective. The analysis portions at the end of each section were by far my favorite part of they book. I've spent a lot of time binge watching film series over the past couple years, and I find those sections in particular really scratch the itch of desperately wanting to dissect a film with a friend only to realize 1. you're marathoning this alone so, 2. no friend is going to be as passionate about these silly plot points from 2009-2012 as you presently are.
Whether you're an old school Twihard or looking for an accessible entry point to the world of film and media studies, I think this book would make a great companion to anyone's next Twilight binge!
I reviewed The Binge Watcher's Guide to Supernatural a little while ago, which I also received a copy of through Netgalley. I thought that the Supernatural version was fun and interesting, but ultimately not necessary amidst the amount of information online and on fan forums.
This is largely how I feel about The Binge Watcher’s Guide to the Twilight Saga. The analysis of each film is fun to read, and I do like that the author tries to tackle the ways Twilight is problematic (glorification of an abusive relationship, Jasper's confederate past, etc.) though I did believe this was as in-depth as it warrants when discussing Twilight in 2023.
If you are a fan interested in re-watching the Twilight movies though, this might be a fun supplement to your journey!