The Wasteland Reviewer

Twinless (2025) Written Review

How powerful is the connection between a pair of twins? This is someone you have spent so much of your life with. For many twins, it is hard to believe what it is like to not always have someone there with you. This can be a challenging experience to overcome as it creates lasting traits like attachment and a need to always have someone around. But the most tragic thing imaginable is the death of one of those twins. You cannot possibly imagine just how challenging an experience that is and never seeing your other self ever again. Writer/director/star James Sweeney tackles this emotionally rich and challenging scenario with his brand-new dramedy, Twinless. 

What type of story does Sweeney process this scenario through? With such a heavy topic, the ability to find a narrative that respects the themes while also engaging the audience can be challenging. But in Twinless, the journey of grief is explored through an unexpected tale of friendship. The remaining twin after the shocking death of his brother (Dylan O’Brien) and a brief lover and flawed man (Sweeney). The journey that they go on is layered, complex, and compelling. Roman (O’Brien) is full of rage surrounding the death of his brother as he seeks connection to fill the void left by his brother Rocky. Sweeney’s Dennis had a brief encounter with Rocky and the connection resonated. But because he carries so much guilt, he lies his way into Roman’s life…and struggles with the love developing for him. Dennis is such a challenging individual as he lies, is insecure, and lashes out at others constantly from his own pain. But there is a thin layer of empathy that grows through his budding friendship with Roman. But the parallel of Roman’s experience is quite impactful as well. There is a moving connection that Roman finds in one of Dennis’ coworkers, Marcie (Aisling Franciosi). She is such a great character for not having a ton of screentime. Sweeney plays around with story structure as well and delivers a pitch perfect flashback that reframes the whole film at the end of the first act. Inspired is certainly the word for Twinless. 

How does this cast handle the material? Sweeney understands his protagonist so well and finds all the layers in Dennis so perfectly. His snarky comments are hilarious (even if they are mostly mean). The emotional turmoil that Dennis goes through is immense and Sweeney captures those emotions with authenticity and genuineness. The chemistry he has with O’Brien is palpable. Whether it is with Roman or Rocky, there is a spark there. But it is O’Brien’s dual performance that is so fascinating and impactful. The rage and intensity as Roman are quite genuine and O’Brien delivers the grief with multiple big emotional moments throughout the film. Rocky has a completely different vibe and attitude, yet O’Brien brings him to life with equitable authenticity. Franciosi is ridiculously charming with joy in life but also a subtle strength that makes her stand up in key moments in the film. Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary cast member) makes an impact in a limited role. Lauren Graham is a raw nerve unleashed as Roman and Rocky’s mother with a dark, biting sense of humor. 

What is Sweeney able to do behind the camera? The tightrope walk of emotion, grief, and humor is hard to nail but Sweeney uses a fine and tender hand with the camera to capture those elements so organically. There are so many hilarious moments and Sweeney finds the right moments and space to deliver on that humor. But his ability to find the right space is not limited to just humor. The emotions are robust in this complex tale and there are multiple scenes that pack a huge emotional punch. It would not be surprising for tears to be pouring out in the theater during this film. The visual expression of the film delivers as well. There isn’t anything too dynamic or flashy but there is a good authentic feeling to the whole experience. Sweeney is also able to avoid the expected over-lit visual palette of so many modern comedies. 

Is Twinless a new gem of indie cinema? For a film with such premises, this could have gone horribly wrong. The conceit of the story could have easily been a cheesy and mean-spirited 00s comedy. But Sweeney shows yet again that he has great respect for the stories he tells from behind the camera. The emotion and humor feel so organic and impactful. O’Brien gives such an incredible and impactful performance (for both twins) that anchors this whole experience. Dennis is certainly a tough protagonist to love due to his choice of lies (that are downright horrible) but the emotional journey filled with empathy makes this a layered and poignant experience instead.