James Sweeney directs, produces, writes, and stars in Twinless, playing Dennis, a quick-witted, quirky gay man who falls into an uneasy friendship with Roman (a soulful Dylan O’Brien). Roman is reeling from the death of his twin, Rocky, after a car accident. Both men attend a support group for twinless siblings; two strangers linked by grief.
Twinless is full of brilliant twists that build tension, while defying a conventional narrative structure: rather than saving its shock reveal for the third act, it places it much earlier, reshaping everything that follows. The film is about loss, but specifically the unique experience of being a twin, and Sweeney doesn’t flinch from the uncomfortable and painful stages of grief. At the same time, he builds a story about a friendship that becomes a lifeline – awkward but unexpectedly tender. However, empathy and dishonesty sit side by side here, and the movie’s charm is how effortlessly it portrays both. The tonal balance – dramatic one moment, comedic the next – feels earned, too.
Gilmore Girls’ Lauren Graham is a charming presence as grieving mother Lisa, while Aisling Franciosi brings warmth and sharp comic timing as Dennis’ colleague, Marcie. Their performances keep the story grounded as Sweeney guides us down an off-kilter narrative path.
It all comes down to the interplay between objectivity and subjectivity: Dennis misreads his love life, his relationship with the twins, and his own motives; ultimately, he must face the consequences of his toxic behavior. The same dynamic extends to the audience, constantly recalibrating how to judge these characters as new information reframes their flaws.
This film is clearly a passion project for Sweeney. He’s exceptional as Dennis – spiky, funny, and dangerous – and his script snaps with wit. His direction is confident and slightly experimental. He cleverly plays with lighting and color, along with layers of pop culture references that never feel like crutches. But above all, he lets Dylan O’Brien shine. O’Brien, long past the Teen Wolf years, delivers a powerful performance as Roman – and Rocky – that’s mind-blowing in its control and emotional range.
Twinless is a surprising gem, which juggles multiple focuses, develops them with care and attention to detail, and still manages to deliver a millennial-coded dramedy – hilarious at times, sad at others, and full of love and empathy. It all comes down to an exchange between Dennis and Roman:
“Rocky said you broke your own foot once.”
“He told you that?”
“You dropped a bowling ball on it?”
“He said you were… the good twin.”
This moment perfectly encapsulates everything the movie’s after: how love and mythmaking blur, how grief edits out stories, how we are all on heartbreaking yet darkly funny journeys – and this one will stay with you long after the credits roll. Editor's Choice.
Why should public libraries add this movie to their shelves?
The film’s focus on loss, mental health, and the complexities of friendship aligns with libraries’ roles as community spaces that promote empathy, dialogue, and inclusion. Twinless offers an inventive and emotionally intelligent exploration of grief and identity that will resonate with a wide range of viewers—from those drawn to its dark humor and character-driven storytelling to those who’ve experienced the complicated terrain of mourning firsthand.
Is this dramedy a good fit for campus screenings?
Twinless’s themes and tone make it a perfect choice for campus screenings. It’s engaging and entertaining, while also encouraging meaningful conversations about family, loss, and compassion. Its layered storytelling, nonlinear structure, and blend of humor and melancholy make it particularly suitable for college audiences studying film, psychology, or creative writing.