Hell hath no fury like a roommate scorned.

Directed by Chandler Levack, Roommates tells the story of Devon (Sadie Sandler), an young woman who has struggled to make friends in high school. Viewing college as a fresh start, the hopeful but naïve Devon quickly finds more of the same on campus… until she meets the cool and confident Celeste (Chloe East). Hitting it off instantly, the duo quickly decides to room together in dorm. Sure, Celeste may be… quirky but Devon is willing to look past their issues for the sake of their friendship. However, as things continue to spiral, Devon and Celeste begin a battle that may destroy everything they have (and each other).

There’s simply something different about Roommates that makes it a cut above the average Happy Madison film. While the production company has a wide spectrum of film styles in its repertoire, the company has given us far more stories like Pixels and Sandy Wexler than it has movies like Hustle. That’s not a negative, per se. Happy Madison brings their own unique style of comedy to the world and they love doing it.

Instead, it’s just to note that there’s something that feels… different about Roommates.

Yes, it’s a film with wild and brash comedy that marks the Madison brand. Even so, Roommates carries an emotional core that never allows it to lose its effectiveness. For every microwave that’s thrown out a window or exploding meal, there are moments that feel more personal and, frankly, even relatable.

And, for this reason, the real secret sauce behind Roommates success may be Levack.

Known for such films as I Like Movies and Miles End Kicks, the young filmmaker has already established herself as one to watch. She has a way of drawing authenticity from her performers that makes their journeys credible.

And, for a film like Roommates, that’s essential. Even in the film’s wildest of moments, Levack ensures that her characters feel honest. Despite the broad comedy, their relationship erodes at a slower burn than one might expect. Subtle glares and glances help us understand the complexity of their feelings. There’s genuine love between these two friends… but also a widening gap that’s rooted in the seeds of jealousy

As their friendship begins to breakdown, we watch the women slowly give way to their hatred, not of each other, but what the other already has. For Devon, Celeste represents the friend that she’s always had. For Celeste, Devon feels like the stability she’s always lacked.

Or, more specifically, the sense of home that she’s been missing.

But the biggest issue between them is their inability to deal with the issues between them. With each passing moment, Devon and Celeste allow their hurt and frustration to drive wedges further into their relationship, creating a passive-aggressive tension that inevitably explodes. As such, this is a film that serves as a reminder that the best course of action in any conflict is to talk about it.

It’s worth noting that the film also features some solid performances by its primary cast. For her first lead role, young Sadie Sandler carries herself with the necessary awkwardness that comes with breaking out into the world for the first time. There’s a fragility about her that also feels like its restraining a furious madness. However, even when she has her inevitable outbursts, she never feels like a carbon copy of her father’s blustery earliest offerings. Instead, she’s remains broken, human and absolutely relatable.

But Sandler also has a delicious dance partner in East. Having starred in such titles as The Fablemans, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey and, of course, Heretic, East has quickly established herself as one of Hollywood’s next generations worth watching. And, in Roommates, she truly lets loose. As Celeste, East is a force-of-nature. Unhinged and relentless, she brings an element of chaos to their relationship that plays well against Sandler’s more stoic performance as Devon. Even so, Celeste has a heart for others, especially Devon’s brother, Alex.

And this is Roommates really bears its soul. While the primary story remains the tension between Celeste and Devon, don’t overlook some excellent work by young Aiden Langford. Alex’s coming out story is handled with far more delicacy than one might expect from the Happy Madison films of the past and Langford shines when he’s given time in the spotlight.

Mixed with the wonder that is Chandler Levack, the lead trio make some comedy magic that elevates the film to something special. It’s funny and nonsensical but also real. It’s a fascinating blend that gives this brash comedy its soul.

Roommates streams exclusively on Netflix on Friday, April 17th, 2026.