Twinless

A decent premise with good performances, especially from Dylan O'Brien. A little bit of action, comedy, and drama; and a few cool visual sequences. The film felt pretty cohesive, but I felt it didn't quite go to the extremes that it could have. I would've liked to learn more about Dennis' backstory too. (7.9/10)

The story itself is interesting, about a young man named Roman (Dylan O'Brien) grieving over the death of his twin brother Rocky (also Dylan O'Brien). Then while at a support group he meets Dennis (James Sweeney) who says he also lost a twin, and the two strike up a friendship, but will it help Roman through his grieving?

With the exception of a particular scene that I found uncomfortable, the movie itself was okay. Dylan O'Briens performance as the grieving Roman is well acted, and James Sweeney who also wrote and directed is also good as actor and filmmaker, the way he sets up certain camera angels. But going that extra mile when it didn't need too is the reason I can't give this movie a bigger rating.

Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

While it's narrative and approach is something we have seen before, no doubt James Sweeney has created an fun, comedic and emotional story about gay romance and bonds with a good sense of direction, likable characters and strong performances from the cast members. Filled with some creative dialogue, fun dynamics between the characters, and tone, Sweeney understands how to develop queer characters without feeling forced and out of place. Fitting each heartfelt moment and fun comedic elements nicely.

Alongside with the fun characters, James Sweeney's performance was great and Dylan O'Brien is also really great. I'm not the biggest Dylan O'Brien fan but when he isn't in action films, his dramatic and comedic performances are quite good. I am a bit surprised it went into some directions that I didn't expect which is good to get out of the traditional predictable moments together.

Despite some issues with the lighting and pacing, overall, James Sweeney has crafted a really fun joint.

"Twinless" is my first recommendation of awards season.

1. DO watch the trailer.

2. Do NOT research the film beyond that.

If the trailer appeals to you, there's a good chance you'll like the film - and then you can leave yourself open for the unexpected.

There's at least a 50/50 of Dylan O'Brien getting nominations for the big ceremonies, and 100/100 he'll get 'em for the many smaller ones.

I wasn't bored for a second - and I felt a lot of stuff to boot.

James Sweeney directs his second feature film, in which he also acts, a brilliant comedy-drama that, although it has some imperfections, is enjoyable from beginning to end.

Starring Dylan O'Brien, Lauren Graham, and Aisling Franciosi, this story follows two young people who meet at a support group for bereaved twins and form an unlikely bond.

Twinless is a highly enjoyable film, enjoyed for its distinctive sense of humor, largely driven by Sweeney's witty script. It also boasts an inspired cast, especially Dylan O'Brien, who gives one of the best performances of his career. It's a human yet raw journey about death, loneliness, sexual orientation, and life itself-a masterful journey that its director invites us to explore with a balanced sense of humor and belonging in this rewarding film.

The film is daring, perfectly balancing the sweetest moments with dark humor and interesting reflections on grief and loneliness. It offers a unique lesson in how much we are willing to give to overcome loss. The intelligent and well-structured script masterfully addresses its themes, without holding anything back or wasting time making you guess what will happen next.

A direction that allows the tension to slowly build to a boiling point, delivering a deeply satisfying and emotionally impactful film. It creates characters with such layers and magnetism that the audience naturally seeks to empathize with and justify their decisions, even if they are truly detestable.

In conclusion...

An interesting, well-crafted, and skillfully directed dramatic comedy. A total surprise that positions it as one of the great revelations of 2025. It's a film worth seeing and enjoying, as it will leave you with pleasant sensations and more than a few knowing laughs along the way.