In the second feature from writer-director-actor James Sweeney, he navigates loneliness, anxiety, depression and other common Millennial pastimes through an arc that's equally comedic and heartfelt… complete with a few “WTF” moments.
Twinless It stars Dylan O'Brien as Roman, a young man grieving the loss of his late twin brother, Rocky. At a bereavement support group, he meets Dennis (Sweeney), who is struggling with his loss. Missing their other halves, the two form a friendship while healing from shared trauma, but a strange secret threatens their new friendship.
O'Brien and Sweeney have an undeniable comedic chemistry, with the former alternating between naive and emotionally insecure Roman, as well as his hunky, moustachioed twin, Rocky, who stirs up plenty of arguments with the “mean gays.” Who are just as misunderstood as the following.
Roman, navigating life as a single person, moves into Rocky's apartment and begins having disagreements with the people who used to know his late twin. It is a strange experience for him as strangers start crying around him.
Meanwhile, Dennis is what the LGBTQ community might endearingly (or not) classify as a messy gay, while his new friend offers the judgment-free friendship they both need. Working through complex emotions in circumstances that can't really be understood, he works in a “yes, and” style that leads to compulsive lies and lots of laughter.
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The quick jokes provide a welcome break from the torment beneath the goofy and awkward facades of both characters, which they peel back throughout the film.
While Roman struggles with his estranged relationship with Rocky over his sexuality, Dennis feels guilty over the last words he said to his other half: “Fuck you!” As they come to terms with their losses, they help each other feel seen in a way no twin can.
As a multi-hyphenate talent, Sweeney unpacks the most nuanced scenarios filled with universal emotions of rejection, losing a loved one, and feeling like your other half doesn't exist. While their motivations for seeking companionship ultimately differ, with intentions less than sincere, will their friendship prove to survive the impossible (and slightly turbulent)?
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Producers are David Permut and James Sweeney.
address: Twinless
to divide: dramatic
distributor: Pictures of the Republic
exit: James Sweeney
screenwriter: James Sweeney
ejaculate: Dylan O'Brien, James Sweeney, Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi, Tasha Smith, and Chris Perfetti
Operating time: 100 minutes
