The OD’ing on Movies Podcast returned with a fan-favorite episode—this time stepping into the blue-tinted, vampire-filled world of Twilight. Dr. Jacobi Cleaver and Dr. Jacob Wilson invited two special guests for this rewatch: social media creator and longtime Twilight fan McKenzie Richardson, and Jenny Orand, Dr. Wilson’s wife and unofficial pop-culture analyst.

What followed was a hilarious, nostalgic, and surprisingly educational deep dive into a movie that defined an era. Complete with optometry insights, plot-hole callouts, and a healthy dose of cringe.

Why Twilight Still Lives Rent-Free in Pop Culture

Though Twilight premiered in 2008, its influence has never fully faded. As the hosts rewatched the film, they quickly rediscovered what made the franchise a cultural tidal wave: wildly dramatic romance, meme-worthy dialogue, and a soundtrack that absolutely still slaps.

From Paramore’s “Decode” to the baseball scene powered by Muse’s “Supermassive Black Hole,” the soundtrack alone carries the movie’s atmosphere. But nostalgia only goes so far—because the group agreed the first movie is undeniably the weakest in the series.

Still, as Dr. Wilson pointed out, “Twilight was a whole movement.” For teens, for stay-at-home moms, for fifth-graders sneaking the book into class—it was everywhere.

Optometry Meets Twilight: Scenes That Need an Eye Exam

Because no OD’ing on Movies episode is complete without clinical insights, the team found several optometry-related moments worth discussing.

1. Carlisle’s Wobbly Pupil Exam

When Carlisle checks Bella’s pupils in the hospital, Dr. Cleaver and Dr. Wilson nearly fell out of their chairs. The room is fully lit, he’s standing too far away, and his penlight technique… struggles.

For accuracy? 2 out of 10.
For entertainment? 10 out of 10.

2. Do Vampire Eyes Really Change Color?

The film shows Edward’s eyes shifting depending on hunger. The group explained real-world causes for iris color changes:

• Congenital differences
• Horner Syndrome (a serious condition)
• Herpes-related iris atrophy
• Cosmetic or medical drops like prostaglandin analogs

When Jenny asked whether her own eyes look greener when she cries, the ODs explained that increased tearing can change how light reflects—creating the illusion of color shift.

3. Should Vampires Wear Sunglasses?

Jenny suggested vampires might need sunglasses due to their pale, reflective skin.
Dr. Cleaver endorsed sunglasses for everyone—vampires included.

Transitions would have made a great product placement.

Team Edward vs. Team Jacob: Final Rankings

The panel closed by rating the movie:

• Dr. Cleaver: 6.5/10 — “Decent for its time.”
• Dr. Wilson: 5/10 — “Not good, but culturally important.”
• McKenzie: 7/10 — “A vibe-based score.”
• Jenny: 5/10 — “Fun, but chaotic.”

The consensus?
The first movie is the weakest, meaning only upward from here.