‘Twinless’ Review: Two Guys Mourning the Loss of a Twin Connect in an Ingeniously Squirmy and Borderline Inappropriate ‘Bromance’

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In James Sweeney’s intelligent and amusingly thought-provoking film “Twinless,” we find two characters meeting in a support group for people who have lost an identical sibling. This setting serves as a platform to discuss themes like codependency, but it’s the relatable topic of loneliness that truly drives Sweeney’s clever exploration of coping mechanisms. “Twinless” made its debut on the opening night of the Sundance Film Festival. Sweeney is aware that some humor in his film might be considered inappropriate, yet he isn’t hesitant to portray himself as an odd character, as this discomfort can lead to a deeper understanding of reality.

Lauren Graham, portraying the mother of brothers Rocky and Roman, played by Dylan O’Brien in a remarkable dual performance, suggests that there might be something even worse than losing a child. This tragic event occurs off-screen as Rocky, the extroverted gay son, passes away. The somber chuckles start at Rocky’s funeral, where people struggle to maintain their composure upon seeing Roman, as his face bears an uncanny resemblance to the friend they have lost (except for a mustache).

Interestingly, Roman doesn’t share many similarities with his brother. While Rocky exuded self-assuredness and was comfortable conversing with anyone, Roman is introverted and self-conscious. He admits himself that he isn’t the sharpest tool in the box when it comes to words. This is why Roman finds comfort in meeting Dennis (Sweeney) at a group therapy session. Dennis, who often has a clever comeback ready, reminds him somewhat of his brother. However, Dennis, with his witty remarks, finds the connection a bit unsettling as he subtly expresses interest in this rugged fellow survivor, which comes off as slightly creepy to Roman.

Character Sweeney, who doesn’t have a real-life twin, has delved deeply into the unique connection between twins, incorporating these thoughts into a script that contains some dark turns – although it stops short of explicit twincest, it does explore an unusual ‘bromance’ where one sibling’s affection is transferred to another. This relationship also includes an unexpected talent for quoting from popular Olsen twin movies. The script represents a challenging balancing act, as Sweeney attempts to portray questionable actions alongside sincere explorations of grief, anxiety, and anger management.

In “Twinless,” the portrayal of Roman’s grief feels incredibly genuine and heartfelt, allowing O’Brien to express the raw emotions with striking authenticity. However, Dennis is a character shrouded in complexity; he exudes an awkward, almost intrusive energy that often leaves one questioning his boundaries. At first glance, Dennis appears as an ordinary individual, readily offering to pick up groceries or share meals with Roman. Yet, as the movie progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging for many of us to identify with the emotions they’re experiencing. When Roman asks, “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”, Dennis hesitates to be truthful about his past actions.

Transition to a scene set in the past, not long ago, when Dennis first encountered Rocky. They formed a connection, and Dennis, who’s so attached he might as well have been tethered to Rocky then and there, became quite emotional. This results in the fact that during their therapy sessions with Roman, both Dennis and Roman are essentially grieving for the same twin.

From the outset, viewers may perceive “Twinless” as either harsh or unconventional, depending on one’s perspective. Sweeney mirrors the preference of renowned New Queer Cinema figure Gregg Araki for unsophisticated straight men. Additionally, there is a hint of disdain toward those deemed less intelligent, which is balanced by the modesty to allow characters to demonstrate their profound emotional intelligence gradually, as exemplified by Dennis’ cheerful colleague Marcie (a commendable supporting role played by Aisling Franciosi).

In Sweeney’s script, the perspective frequently changes between characters throughout the movie. There’s a scene where the screen divides, showing Roman and Dennis – both dressed as Sims for Halloween – as they strive to connect with the singles at a party, people who have never known twinship before. By this stage, the two have begun viewing each other as stand-ins for the brother they lost, but since one is straight and the other gay, external relationships may complicate their bonding process.

Could the bond between twins be so unique that no significant others can rival it, even when they aren’t actual twins? And is it plausible for these two individuals to recreate within their relationship what has been missing in their personal lives? Sweeney poses these questions intricately by providing insights unknown to other characters, urging us to sympathize with a character whose deep-seated loneliness and insecurity fosters an unhealthy form of self-centeredness.

In his 2019 debut film “Straight Up,” referred to as a modern-day screwball comedy, Sweeney cleverly employs dialogue to expose and hide his characters’ real feelings. Roman is too innocent to catch the hidden sarcastic remarks in many of Dennis’ comments, but viewers can easily spot them – for instance, when he tells Roman, “I don’t think I have a type,” delivering it slowly enough for us to understand the irony.

In this friendship, it appears unhealthy, but Sweeney understands how individuals who find themselves lonelier than ever can complement each other’s lives unexpectedly. On only his second directorial venture, the talented young filmmaker showcases a refined understanding of framing, tempo, and intense, unsettling dramatic tension, further emphasized by Jung-Jae Il’s tense Philip Glass-like soundtrack. After prolonging his character’s villainy, Sweeney grants him undue leniency – yet he skillfully wraps up all threads in the final scene, where the flawed friends reveal more commonalities than either had with the absent twin brother.

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2025-01-24 09:52