Due to piracy by other attendees, one of the films I missed at last year’s Sundance festival was “Twinless,” the sophomore effort from writer-director James Sweeney. The film is finally arriving in theaters with some fanfare courtesy of Republic Pictures.
Loss can connect people in unexpected ways. In “Twinless,” it brings together two young men who would likely never have met otherwise. Roman (Dylan O’Brien), a reserved man grieving the accidental death of his twin brother, Rocky, travels to New York to pack up his brother’s apartment. What starts as a simple task quickly evolves into a journey of rediscovery for Roman, who realizes he hardly knew Rocky as an adult.
At a twin support group, Roman meets Dennis (James Sweeney), a witty and nerdy romantic who has also lost his other half. The two men are complete opposites—Dennis is lively and self-assured, while Roman is quiet and uncertain. However, their shared grief levels the playing field, leading them to become inseparable and form a friendship outside the group that is as healing as it is unlikely.
However, “Twinless” is more than just an odd-couple comedy. When Roman encounters Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), Dennis’s vibrant co-worker, the film takes a pivotal turn. Secrets begin to unfold, and the bond between Roman and Dennis becomes more complicated. The story delves into how people reshape their identities after losing the individuals who once defined them, offering both touching and unsettling moments.
O’Brien delivers one of his strongest performances yet, capturing the depth of Roman’s awkward attempts to connect. Sweeney, who also wrote and directed the film, provides a performance that is funny, charming, and ultimately heartbreaking. Franciosi brings an effervescent energy that adds complexity to the central dynamic. With solid support from Lauren Graham and Chris Perfetti, the ensemble makes every twist feel earned.
The tonal balance achieved by Sweeney is remarkable. “Twinless” begins with quirky indie-comedy elements, shifts into sensitive explorations of grief, and ultimately transforms into something darker, bolder, and more surprising than anticipated. Some viewers may be taken aback by the film’s explicit honesty—yes, including its revealing sex scenes—but this rawness is integral to its design.
“Twinless” is funny, poignant, and quietly devastating. It is a film that leaves you unsettled, and that is precisely its strength.
Final Grade: B
“Twinless” opens in limited release this Friday.
