by Tim Gordon
Twinless is a bold, dark comedy that walks the tightrope between grief, obsession, and sexual awakening, with mixed results.
Dylan O’Brien, pulling double duty as estranged twins Roman and Rocky, delivers an ambitious performance in a role that demands both vulnerability and restraint. Director and co-writer James Sweeney joins him as Dennis, a neurotic, emotionally stifled man who forms a volatile yet magnetic bond with Roman after the two meet in a support group for twinless twins. Their relationship quickly spirals from mutual support to something far stranger and far more intimate.
The premise is brimming with potential. A twisted buddy comedy layered with grief, identity issues, and psychological entanglement? That’s a fertile landscape for smart, subversive storytelling. And yet, Twinless never fully sticks the landing. The tone shifts jarringly from quirky banter to disturbing intensity, with scenes that teeter into the surreal without enough thematic or emotional grounding.
Despite committed turns from Aisling Franciosi, Lauren Graham, and Chris Perfetti, the supporting cast often feels underutilized or reduced to narrative detours. The film’s offbeat structure and unconventional pacing may be part of its charm for some, but others will find it alienating.
Sweeney’s direction is certainly distinct, and his voice as a filmmaker is evident; there’s no question Twinless is his vision. But somewhere in its tangle of tonal dissonance and uncomfortable intimacy, the story gets lost. The film wants to be edgy, raw, and boundary-pushing, but it often mistakes provocation for profundity.
That said, Twinless may still find a small but devoted cult following thanks to its unique premise and O’Brien’s admirably risky performance. It’s a film that dares to be different, but unfortunately, different doesn’t always mean effective.
This movie was initially reviewed at the Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2025
Grade: C-