After James Sweeney’s 2019 debut feature “Straight Up,” he has returned as writer, director, and lead actor in “Twinless,” a measured dark comedy and psychological drama that picks at the scabs of grief and absence.
The film’s premise centers around a chance encounter between Roman (Dylan O’ Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney) at a support group for grieving twins who have lost their other half, their “built-in best friend,” and must now learn to navigate the world as “singletons.” This is where the unlikely relationship between the two characters flourishes and grows into desperate co-dependence, where both succeed in avoiding the deeper truths of their grief. There is a deep absence and regret that Sweeney masterfully crafts in both characters’ lives and use to extract visceral reactions from his audience when they least expect it.
Despite the film’s dark background of grief, regret, and a profound absence that haunts the lives of both characters, Sweeney consistently elicits laughs from the audience through the dynamic between the cynical Dennis and Roman, a well-meaning but intensely insecure and simple man. Remarkably, the film never loses its balance between comedy and drama. By avoiding overbearing scenes or dialogue and leaning into comedic relief, Sweeney manages to deliver a moving portrait of the dark and twisted antics that often accompany grief. Moments as subtle and poignant as Roman greeting his deceased twin’s former acquaintances or continuing to use his brother’s gym membership illustrate this beautifully.
The film does a lot when it comes to depicting guilt, but one of the most remarkable aspects of its depiction and case study, is a scene where Roman is overcome by shored up survivors guilt after loss, also marking a strong performance by Dylan, where he manages to convey a feeling of anguish, coupled with a tormenting need for forgiveness and redemption from someone who is no longer there.
A compelling before-and-after sequence featuring Roman’s late twin brother, Rocky, an outgoing and self-reliant gay man, adds depth and emotional complexity to the narrative. More than a stylistic choice, the scene invites the audience to reconstruct the brothers’ relationship, underscoring the film’s central themes of loss and redemption. The emotional engine of the film is Sweeney’s nuanced exploration of grief in its many phases, crafting character studies that both frustrate and evoke deep empathy.
By the time the credits roll, “Twinless” has firmly established itself as more than just a clever concept. It’s a humorous and deeply human story about what remains when half of you is gone, and how, somehow, life keeps going anyway.
To find screening dates and times in your city, visit the official “Twinless” website at twinlessfilm.com
“Twinless” is also available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.
Featured Photo Courtesy of Lionsgate