Interview: Dylan O’Brien Returns (with James Sweeney) to Chat About ‘Twinless’

Dylan O’Brien has consistently been one of the more enjoyable actors for me to speak to over the years. Our previous conversations here for The Outfit and here for Saturday Night should be evidence of that, but we also just get along whenever we chat in general. So, another opportunity to talk, this time for his amazing turn in Twinless, was something to look forward to. Today, as the film hits theaters, O’Brien is back, this time with the movie’s writer/director/co-star, James Sweeney.

In my review from back at the Sundance Film Festival (here), I said the following about O’Brien and Sweeney:

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. 

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.

Below, you can see my conversation with O’Brien and Sweeney. We talk mostly about the line this flick walks, tonally, and about the discussions that it has already generated. Sweeney is clearly thrilled to have actually gotten to make the movie, and it shows. As always, there’s a little bit of sports chatter peppered in to my talk with O’Brien, as we’re both Jet and Met fans. The film is excellent and a real showcase for both talents, so now that it’s in theaters, you owe it to yourself to go out and see Twinless…

Here now is my interview with Twinless star Dylan O’Brien and filmmaker/co-star James Sweeney. Enjoy:

Twinless is in theaters now!