Reviews
Twinless
It’s hard to express just how remarkable Twinless is without giving away what truly makes it unforgettable. This is one of those rare films that demands to be seen, as its story resonates deeply with audiences from all walks of life. But be warned, have the tissues at the ready, because this one is guaranteed to move you.
Twinless is written and directed by James Sweeney, marking only his second feature-length film. Billed as a psychological dark comedy about grief and loneliness, the screenplay often takes on the intensity of an emotional thriller, with dark themes of deceit and obsession driving the central storyline.
Sweeney also stars as Dennis, alongside Dylan O’Brien, who takes on the dual roles of twin brothers Roman and Rocky. Roman is portrayed as not the sharpest tool in the shed, while Rocky is an ultra-successful gay man living the high life in the big city. The film opens with a poignant depiction of loss, as Rocky tragically dies in a freak accident, leaving Roman to navigate the immediate aftermath of grief. These opening sequences, including Rocky’s funeral and Roman’s intimate moments of mourning, set a somber and emotionally charged tone that resonates throughout the story.
Dennis and Roman meet as strangers at a support group for twins who have lost their sibling, a grief so rare and specific that it immediately draws them together on a deeply personal level. Their connection is further strengthened as Dennis shares the same sexuality as Roman’s late brother, Rocky, subtly reminding Roman of him. As they exchange stories of their lost twins, their bond deepens, and we see glimpses of their growing closeness in everyday moments, from mundane grocery runs to coordinating matching Halloween costumes.
As their relationship blossoms, Dennis helps Roman grow into a better version of himself, even introducing him to a potential romantic interest. When the story takes an unexpected turn, the impact is all the more devastating for both the characters and the audience.
Twinless teeters on a knife’s edge throughout its runtime, exploring complex emotions and intricate relationships with remarkable precision. That makes it all the more impressive how much care has gone into the writing. The tonal balance is nearly flawless, a level of mastery you would typically expect from a veteran filmmaker, not someone on only their second feature-length film.
The performances of Sweeney and O’Brien are truly sensational, but it’s O’Brien who elevates himself to a level rarely seen before. As Roman, his sympathetic nature makes audiences want to comfort him, reassuring him that everything will be okay as he navigates his grief, a portrayal conveyed with tremendous subtlety and depth. In contrast, his flashback scenes as Rocky are equally compelling, with O’Brien effortlessly embodying a distinct, confident personality that feels like an entirely separate actor. It would be easy to run out of superlatives describing just how remarkable his dual performance is.
The movie also rests heavily on Sweeney’s performance. Had he come across as creepy or irritating, the impact of the story’s twist would have fallen flat. Instead, Sweeney delivers an awkwardly funny and deeply empathetic portrayal, allowing the audience to feel genuine sympathy for him as he navigates his own personal journey through grief.
It’s difficult to fully convey just how emotionally poignant Twinless is without delving into spoilers. Everyone experiences grief differently, and the way these journeys are portrayed in the film is nothing short of remarkable. This is a must-watch, a rare hidden gem that hasn’t yet made it to many people’s radars but absolutely deserves to climb to the very top of every watchlist.
