Netflix will release a new Adam Sandler Netflix comedy titled Roommates on April 17, offering a fresh take on the college experience. The film centers on Devon, a college freshman navigating life away from home, who quickly finds herself in a tense and comedic clash with her chosen roommate, Celeste.
Directed by Chandler Levack, Roommates stars Sadie Sandler alongside Chloe East, Billy Bryk, and Jaya Harper, among others. The film presents a sharp, funny look at the anxieties and challenges of the first year at college, combining humor with relatable emotional struggles.
A Fresh Perspective on the Challenges of Freshman Year
Roommates explores the nerve-wracking realities many students face during their first year of college, highlighting both the awkwardness and excitement that come with forging new relationships and establishing independence. Devon, played by Sadie Sandler, initially feels optimistic about her decision to room with Celeste, portrayed by Chloe East, but their friendship quickly devolves into a battle of passive-aggressive exchanges.
The story captures the delicate balance between vulnerability and bravado typical of college freshmen as they try to define themselves amid a new social landscape. This premise is supported by a vibrant ensemble cast featuring talents such as Sarah Sherman, Natasha Lyonne, Nick Kroll, Aidan Langford, Josh Segarra, Janeane Garofalo, Carol Kane, Bailee Madison, Storm Reid, and more.
Roommates showcases moments of lighthearted camaraderie alongside deeper emotional scars, portraying college life in a way that resonates with viewers who know the feeling of finding one’s place in a sea of unfamiliar faces.
Director Chandler Levack Highlights Unique Blend of Humor and Authenticity
Chandler Levack, who is also known for her work on Mile End Kicks, spoke about what makes Roommates distinctive among college comedies. She described the film as an “audacious, fun comedy” that remains “raw and authentic” in portraying the sometimes overwhelming and awkward attempts at making friends during a first year away from home.
“Your first year of college can be one of the most anxiety-inducting periods of your life. This is a really audacious, fun comedy that still feels really raw and authentic to the harrowing experience of trying to make friends in your first year of college. Sadie Sandler and Chloe East have incredible chemistry, and Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara Jane O’Sullivan’s script takes you on an epic ride. The film has a really unique tone, somewhere between Lady Bird, Mean Girls, and, of course, a Happy Madison movie.” – Chandler Levack, Director
Levack pointed to the chemistry between lead actresses Sadie Sandler and Chloe East as a key element, alongside a script crafted by Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara Jane O’Sullivan, that delivers a rollercoaster of comedic and emotional moments. She emphasized the blend of tones that recalls influential films like Lady Bird and Mean Girls, while infusing the signature humor associated with Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions.
Ensemble Cast Balances Rising Stars with Comedy Veterans
Roommates features a diverse cast that pairs emerging young actors with seasoned comedians and well-known Hollywood figures. Levack praised the supporting lineup, which includes Saturday Night Live talents Sarah Sherman and Martin Herlihy, comedy stalwarts Janeane Garofalo, Nick Kroll, Natasha Lyonne, and the venerable Carol Kane.
“It also has one of the greatest supporting casts, from SNL stars like Sarah Sherman and Martin Herlihy to comedy legends like Janeane Garofalo, Nick Kroll, and Natasha Lyonne, to the legendary Carol Kane. Every day on set was an embarrassment of riches. There is also some incredible young talent, like Aidan Langford, Billy Byrk, Bella Murphy, and Jaya Harper, who are fantastic in the film.” – Chandler Levack, Director
This mix of newcomers and established performers enriches the film’s dynamic, bringing both fresh energy and seasoned comic timing to scenes that depict the ups and downs of young adult life.
Levack Drawn to Authenticity and Collaboration with the Sandler Family
The director was attracted to Roommates in part due to its authentic script and the opportunity to work with Sadie Sandler and her father, Adam Sandler. As a longtime fan of Adam Sandler’s comedic work, Levack considered involvement in the film inspiring and a meaningful career milestone.
“I really wanted to work with Sadie Sandler who I thought was incredible in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah and collaborate with Adam Sandler, who has been one of my chief comedic inspirations. I grew up on teen movies and Adam Sandler movies, and this film really evoked the movies that basically formed my cerebral cortex when I was a teenager. Happy Madison’s commitment to telling stories about young women and working with emerging female and non-binary filmmakers is really exciting and it felt like a space where I could really challenge myself to evolve as a filmmaker. What I got was simply the best education in comedy filmmaking anyone could ever get… It was simply a joy to direct this film.” – Chandler Levack, Director
Levack specifically credited the film’s cinematographer, Maria Rusche, for elevating the storytelling through inventive visual approaches. She also emphasized Happy Madison’s dedication to representing women and emerging filmmakers, positioning the movie as part of a broader effort to spotlight underrepresented voices in comedy.
A Look Inside the Dorms and What Audiences Can Expect
Roommates offers viewers a glimpse into college life through moments of humor and honesty. A recently released first look image shows characters played by Bella Murphy, Chloe East, Sadie Sandler, and Jaya Harper enjoying a relaxed moment, smiling and posing with peace signs while taking a break from their studies.
The film goes beyond typical college comedy tropes by emphasizing personal conflicts, friendships, and the emotional turbulence familiar to many young adults. With its debut scheduled for Netflix, Roommates promises to be a standout addition to the Adam Sandler Netflix comedy lineup, delivering a bold, vibrant portrayal of youth and the chaos of first-year college life.
Fans looking forward to the release can anticipate a film that combines sharp wit, complex characters, and a heartfelt narrative enriched by a strong ensemble and inspired direction.
