“Twinless” Explores Grief, Deception, and the Search for Understanding
Table of Contents
A poignant dramedy starring Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney delves into the complexities of loss and the lengths people will go to feel understood.
The ache to be truly known, to find someone who “gets” you effortlessly, is a universal human desire. This longing forms the emotional core of “Twinless,” a shrewdly constructed and heartrending film that explores the fragile bonds forged in grief and the deceptive foundations they can be built upon. The film, written and directed by James Sweeney, arrives in theaters Friday, September 5th.
A Connection Forged in Loss
The story centers on Roman, portrayed with endearing vulnerability by Dylan O’Brien, and Dennis (Sweeney), two men grappling with the loss of their twin siblings. Their initial connection, formed at a support group, is immediate and profound. As the narrative unfolds, the film suggests that even the simplest of comforts – like grocery shopping with someone who understands – can become an “anti-loneliness gift from the universe.”
However, this burgeoning companionship is complicated by a significant secret. Dennis, it is revealed, is not actually twinless. He fabricated his shared experience with Roman, driven by a fascination with twinship and a hidden connection to Roman’s deceased brother. This deception casts a long shadow over their interactions, creating a complex tension that the audience is privy to.
Sweeney’s direction, aided by Greg Cotten’s cinematography, visually reinforces Dennis’s constructed reality. The film frequently frames Dennis through windows and partitions, evoking a sense of distance and revealing the “falsehood-ridden facade” he presents to the world. This technique subtly underscores the precariousness of their bond.
Conversely, O’Brien’s Roman is characterized by a disarming lack of cynicism. While he admits he isn’t “the brightest tool in the shed,” his genuine kindness and lack of malice prove captivating to the more guarded Dennis. Small gestures, like a reassuring wink from Roman, become profoundly meaningful to Dennis, who craves validation. The dynamic between them is notably imbalanced, with Dennis subtly molding himself to fit Roman’s needs.
Unraveling the Past
Flashbacks introduce Rocky (also played by O’Brien), Roman’s deceased twin. These scenes reveal a stark contrast between the brothers: Rocky was confident and thriving, while Roman felt abandoned and inadequate in his shadow. Sweeney’s writing effectively challenges the romanticized notion that having an identical twin inherently prevents isolation.
The screenplay is meticulously crafted, with seemingly minor details – like the characters’ differing responses when spoken to simultaneously – foreshadowing later revelations. Moments of dark humor arise from Dennis’s sophisticated remarks going over Roman’s head, or from uncomfortable silences that highlight the underlying manipulation.
A Descent into Raw Emotion
A pivotal scene unfolds during a trip to Seattle for a hockey game, a symbolic “building block of their burgeoning bromance.” Roman, grappling with unresolved grief, asks Dennis to pretend to be Rocky. This request unleashes a torrent of raw emotion, culminating in a monologue delivered by O’Brien that is described as “astounding for its insides-bearing rawness.”
The performance is a potential career highlight for O’Brien, showcasing his emotional range and vulnerability. He portrays Roman’s anger, his propensity for violence, and his underlying innocence with remarkable nuance. Sweeney, meanwhile, delivers a steady and conflicted performance as Dennis, a character who is both sympathetic and deeply flawed. He embodies a guilt-ridden individual teetering on the brink of unraveling.
The Pain of Neediness and the Power of Truth
As Roman and Dennis grow closer, the arrival of Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), Dennis’s cheerful co-worker, throws their dynamic into disarray. Her connection with Roman forces Dennis to confront his own neediness and the realization that his lies could destroy everything. The film ultimately suggests that neediness, in any form, is detrimental to healthy relationships.
In a final scene reminiscent of Alfonso Cuarón’s “Y Tu Mamá También,” Sweeney emphasizes the importance of truth. The walls between Roman and Dennis come down, and they finally speak in unison, suggesting a newfound sense of genuine connection. “Twinless” is rated R for sexual content, nudity, and language, and runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
