Review: “Twinless”

By Morgan Roberts

Director: James Sweeney
Writer: James Sweeney
Stars: James Sweeney, Dylan O’Brien, Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi, Chris Perfetti
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2025

There is a special kinship that twins share. What happens to those who lose their twin? And who enters their life as a way to fill that void? In his second feature film, James Sweeney explores how one man’s recent loss becomes another man’s obsession. Roman (Dylan O’Brien) journeys to Portland after the death of his twin brother Rocky (also portrayed by O’Brien). Struggling to cope, Roman remains in the city but finds a grief support group for “twinless” individuals. It is here that he meets Dennis (James Sweeney). The two men quickly befriend each other, with Roman gravitating toward the companionship Dennis is extremely willing to provide. But there’s more to Dennis’s story than what he’s initially willing to share.

As writer and director Sweeney is unafraid to make this dark comedy, well, dark. The trailer for “Twinless” certainly hooks you on the quirkiness of the film; yet, the film has a darkness which grows throughout the film, eventually permeating the world and the characters which inhabit it. It is difficult to write about the film without giving away the intriguing and surprising elements. It is a testament to Sweeney’s writing and vision. So frequently, we are anticipating plot points and certain beats. Sweeney doesn’t necessarily break rules, but he certainly tests the boundaries.

Elevating this film are the performances. O’Brien plays double duty as both twins. Even with some slight physical appearance alterations, O’Brien is able to fully flesh out both characters, highlighting their district personalities without minimizing the singularly unique bond shared by twins. We never see the twins together and O’Brien is still able to convey a closeness only twins can have. Moreover, O’Brien expertly weaves in Roman’s vulnerabilities with the shield of anger he reverts to. So infrequently do we get to see the internal struggle of societal expectations of masculinity with the emotional depth men have. It is through Roman’s imperfect journey with grief that we find his humanity. I find it rare to find male characters given the room to grieve in a complex, nuanced way.

Roman (Dylan O’Brien), Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), and Dennis (James Sweeney) in “Twinless” | Photo Courtesy of Roadside Attractions

In front of the camera, Sweeney brings Dennis and his prickliness to life. Dennis is quiet and introverted, but deeply lonely. His search for connection and companionship guides his journey. Yet, he can also be dismissive and a bit self-righteous, particularly with his co-workers such as Marcie (Aisling Franciosi). It can be difficult to toe the line between tenderness and thorniness, and yet Sweeney manages to ensure the spectrum of Dennis’s behaviors, desires, and attributes feel true. So often, the “unlikeable” character is left for minor characters or antagonists. Even when we encounter the anti-hero archetype, there is something honorable about their actions. Dennis and his yearning for connection feels authentic, but his other attributes are not diminished or excused if he fit into the typical character archetypes we see male characters fall into.

As a writer, Sweeney clearly understands the importance of world building, particularly how characters can greatly impact what the world feels like for audiences. Big and small, characters have some nuance or some layers which give us the sense of where they inhabit. In particular, the Marcie character greatly demonstrates this. In lesser hands, the eventual love interest of centra character would usually be quite one note. In “Twinless,” Marcie takes us by surprise with the glimpses into her world and those who populate it. It gives the audience the opportunity to be just as surprised as Dennis by the life Marcie leads that is not tied directly to Dennis or even eventually Roman. This attention to detail struck me as I would expect for this character to feel very serving to our main character; in this film, she is very important for both characters, and while used as a catalyst in propelling the film forward, it feels like the correct choice, and not forced.

“Twinless” garnered a lot of attention following its premiere at Sundance. Rightfully so. It is grounded in the humanity and existential desire for community and connection, whether that be due to the death of a loved one or something even more innate. While O’Brien gives a charming and thoughtful performance, Sweeney truly steals the show with his thorny performance. In front of and behind the camera, Sweeney’s voice and vision is singular and efficacious.

Grade: A
Pair This Film With: “Kajillionaire” (2020) dir. Miranda July; “The Pretty One” (2013) dir. Jenée LeMarque