Roommates (2026) Review: A Campus Comedy That Turns Meaner—and Smarter—Than You Expect

College comedies usually follow a familiar path—awkward freshmen, wild parties, identity crises, and somewhere in between, a feel-good lesson about friendship. Roommates start exactly like that.

And then it quietly flips the tone.

Directed by Chandler Levack, this isn’t just another coming-of-age story about dorm life. It’s sharper, darker, and far more uncomfortable than it initially lets on. What begins as a story about two college freshmen trying to coexist quickly turns into something else entirely—a slow-burning rivalry built on insecurity, control, and emotional manipulation.

And that shift is where the film finds its identity.

Because Roommates isn’t really about college.

It’s about what happens when two completely different personalities are forced into the same space—and neither one knows how to back down.

What the Movie Is About (And Why It Hooks You)

At the center of the story are:

• Devon Weisz (Sadie Sandler), shy, introverted, and desperate to reinvent herself

• Celeste Durand (Chloe East), confident, charismatic, and socially effortless

They meet during freshman orientation and decide to become roommates—a decision that feels natural at first.

And for a while, it works.

They bond, make plans, and build what looks like a typical college friendship. But underneath that surface, there’s a quiet imbalance:

• Devon wants validation

• Celeste wants control

And slowly, that imbalance starts to crack.

Story Breakdown: From Friendship to Psychological Feud

Phase 1: The Ideal Start

The early part of the film feels familiar:

• New friendships

• Campus life

• Romantic interests

• The excitement of starting over

Devon begins to open up, finding confidence in ways she never had before.

Phase 2: Subtle Tension

Small moments begin to shift the dynamic:

• Passive-aggressive comments

• Boundaries being crossed

• Personal insecurities being exposed

Celeste’s behavior becomes harder to ignore—and Devon starts to notice.

Phase 3: Full Breakdown

This is where the film turns into something darker.

The friendship becomes a rivalry:

• Public humiliation

• Betrayal

• Emotional manipulation

Both characters begin to escalate—not just reacting, but actively trying to hurt each other.

Phase 4: Chaos and Consequences

By the final act, the story spirals:

• Revenge plans

• Personal secrets exposed

• A destructive climax that pushes everything too far

What started as a dorm conflict becomes something much bigger—and much messier.

Character Breakdown: Two Strong Performances Carry the Film

Sadie Sandler as Devon

Sadie Sandler gives Devon a grounded, relatable presence.

• Awkward but sincere

• Vulnerable but slowly evolving

• A character you understand, even when she makes bad decisions

Her transformation is one of the film’s strongest elements.

Chloe East as Celeste (The Standout)

Chloe East steals the film.

Celeste is:

• Charming

• Manipulative

• Completely unpredictable

She’s the kind of character you can’t fully trust—but can’t look away from either.

Supporting Cast

• Natasha Lyonne and Nick Kroll add humor and personality

• Storm Reid and Billy Bryk help expand the college setting

They don’t dominate the story—but they keep the world feeling alive.

What Works: Tone, Writing, and Character Conflict

This is where Roommates stands out.

• Sharp, uncomfortable humor

• Realistic portrayal of toxic friendships

• Strong character-driven storytelling

• A tone that balances comedy and tension

It understands that the worst conflicts aren’t loud—they’re personal.

What Doesn’t Work: Pacing and Escalation

1. Uneven Pacing

The film takes its time building tension—but then escalates very quickly in the final act.

The shift can feel abrupt.

2. Over-the-Top Climax

The ending pushes the story into extreme territory.

For some viewers, it works as dark satire. For others, it feels like too much.

3. Tone Balance

The mix of comedy and drama doesn’t always land perfectly.

Some moments feel unclear—are you supposed to laugh, or feel uncomfortable?

Final Verdict: A Darker College Comedy That Doesn’t Play Safe

Roommates starts like a typical college film—but it doesn’t stay there.

It becomes something sharper, more uncomfortable, and more honest about how friendships can turn toxic under pressure.

It’s not always smooth. It’s not always balanced.

But it’s rarely boring.

And for a film in this genre—that already sets it apart.

Rating

6/10