Roommates (2026) is an upcoming American comedy film that explores the messy, awkward, and sometimes intense reality of college life. Directed by Chandler Levack and written by Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara O’Sullivan, the film focuses on friendship, identity, and the strange dynamics that come with sharing space with someone completely different.
Release Date
Roommates is officially set to release on April 17, 2026, and it will premiere directly on Netflix.
Instead of a theatrical release, the film follows a digital-first approach, making it instantly accessible to a global audience. This strategy fits well with its youthful, relatable theme centered around college life.
Cast Names
The film features a mix of young talent and experienced actors:
- Sadie Sandler as Devon
- Chloe East as Celeste
- Sarah Sherman as Dr. Schilling
- Natasha Lyonne as Hannah
- Nick Kroll as Brian
- Storm Reid as Luna
- Billy Bryk as Michael
- Ivy Wolk as Auguste
- Janeane Garofalo
- Carol Kane
- Bailee Madison
- Adam Sandler as Danny Schilling
This ensemble brings a mix of humor, experience, and fresh energy, which is essential for a story built around personality clashes and evolving relationships.
Story (Plot Summary)
The story of Roommates is simple on the surface but becomes layered as it unfolds.
It follows Devon, a hopeful and somewhat naive college freshman, who is stepping into a completely new phase of life. Wanting to fit in and find a friend, she chooses Celeste, a cool and confident girl, as her roommate.
At first, everything feels exciting. New freedom, new friendships, and a fresh start. But very quickly, things begin to change.
Their relationship, which starts with the hope of becoming best friends, slowly turns into something complicated. Small habits become irritations. Differences in personality start to clash. Misunderstandings grow into silent tension.
What follows is a slow-burning conflict filled with passive-aggressive behavior, emotional distance, and awkward situations.
The film captures a very real part of college life—how living with someone can bring out both the best and worst sides of people. It also explores deeper themes like identity, insecurity, and the struggle to find your place in a new environment.
In simple terms, Roommates is about two very different people forced to live together—and how that situation slowly turns into emotional chaos.
Director, Makers & Technical Team
- Director: Chandler Levack
- Writers: Jimmy Fowlie, Ceara O’Sullivan
- Producers: Adam Sandler, Allen Covert, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
- Production Companies: Happy Madison Productions, Range Media Partners
- Distributor: Netflix
The involvement of Happy Madison (Adam Sandler’s production house) hints at a comedy style that mixes humor with relatable life situations.
Total Budget
The official budget of Roommates has not been publicly disclosed.
However, based on its genre, cast, and production scale, it is expected to be a moderate-budget film, focusing more on writing, performances, and real-life situations rather than large-scale production or visual effects.
Final Thoughts
Roommates taps into a very real and relatable experience—living with someone new during one of the most confusing phases of life.
It doesn’t rely on big drama or action. Instead, it builds its story through awkward conversations, emotional tension, and everyday conflicts. That’s what makes it feel real.
If you’ve ever had a roommate—or are about to—you’ll probably see parts of your own story in this film.
In simple terms, Roommates is about friendship, conflict, and the strange reality of sharing your life with someone who starts as a stranger.
