Joey Magidson
The Sundance Film Festival is full of surprises. Sometimes, it’s an actor or actress showcases skills we’ve never seen before. Other times, it’s a movie that takes risks. In the case of Twinless, it’s how surprising the effectiveness of the film is, given how it could easily have gone off the rails. Plus, it features a wonderful performance from Dylan O’Brien, who has been aching for a role like this one. This is, without question, the best thing I’ve seen at Sundance this year.
Twinless has an edge to it, but also plenty of sweetness. That combination is hard to pull off, especially when there’s a mid-movie turn that’s fairly shocking. However, the comedy, the drama, and the emotions of it all never feel anything less than authentic. It’s dark and messy, to be sure, but it’s also very well done, making for an entertaining and supremely compelling work.
Roman (O’Brien) has just lost his twin brother Rocky, who was run down by a car. The former is a bit of a simple meathead, albeit one with a good heart, while the latter was the life of the party, a gay man beloved by all. Whereas Roman lives at home, Rocky had a cool apartment and a vibrant social life. So, not only does the surviving twin feel lost in the world, he also has a sense that the less important brother is gone. Then, at a support group, he meets Dennis (James Sweeney).
Dennis and Roman bond instantly over their shared loss, with Dennis seeing Roman in a certain light and Roman feeling that Dennis, as a gay man, is an avenue towards understanding his brother. In short order, an unlikely friendship blossoms, especially since Roman has opted to stay in town and spend some time in Rocky’s apartment. Then, the film doubles back to fill in some blanks about Dennis, which recalibrates everything we’ve seen before. After that, Roman processing Rocky’s loss, Dennis’ feelings about Roman, and more, all become very complicated. I’m being vague on purpose, but it’s funny, surprising, and even dark.
Dylan O’Brien has never been better than he is here. He makes Roman and Rocky completely distinct, yet clearly brothers. It’s the best role of his career so far, bar none. The sweet simplicity of Roman, as well as the vibrance of Rocky, are terrifically depicted. O’Brien is a talented actor, yet he’s never gotten to showcase his talents like this. He’s incredible. Likewise, James Sweeney makes the awkward Dennis both lovable and off-putting in equal measure. The pair have an unusual yet very compelling chemistry, one we rarely see on film. Supporting players here include Aisling Franciosi, Lauren Graham, and more, though O’Brien is the showcase role.
James Sweeney writes and directs, in addition to co-starring, and it’s quite accomplished work. His twist is not what you’re expecting, but once it comes to light, he plays it out up to and past where you’d normally see. The awkward comedy is very effective, the sex is frank and realistic, the grief feels real, and the filmmaking has a confidence that’s needed to execute the premise. Twinless is a film that could go very wrong, so the fact that it works so well is a testament to Sweeney’s storytelling, as well as O’Brien’s star turn.
Twinless is a wonderful surprise. I always love Dylan O’Brien, so it’s delightful to see him have a part like this to sink his teeth into. The talents of James Sweeney, however, is a nice surprise, and I’ll be very eager to see what he does next. This movie is the highlight of Sundance and worth seeking out once it comes to theaters. It’s tremendous.
SCORE: ★★★1/2
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