Despite Audio Glitch, ‘Twinless’ Starring Dylan O’Brien Wows Sundance Crowd

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In 2025, the Sundance Film Festival kicked off in Park City, Utah on a Thursday, filled with red carpet events and parties along Main Street. The highlight of the evening was the debut of James Sweeney’s second film, titled “Twinless“, which he co-starred in alongside Dylan O’Brien. This was James Sweeney’s first time at Sundance.

Eugene Hernandez, director of Sundance, was the first to step onto the stage at Eccles Center Theatre, where he began the celebrations with some formal announcements and expressions of gratitude, before inviting Sweeney and O’Brien to join him. They then introduced their long-awaited collaborative project, hinting that while the film appeared to have a somber theme – two young men bond in a twin loss support group – it certainly didn’t dampen the mood on this Thursday night.

James and Dylan is who we are, as clarified by O’Brien from the stage,” he said. “Contrary to popular speculation, we aren’t twins in reality. I thought it best to clear that up now before more questions about our twin connection arise. This presentation is not focused on my long-hidden twin; we have no familial bond.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I chose to keep my remarks succinct at the event by expressing that I firmly believe the ideal movie experience lies in going into a film knowing minimal information and having low expectations. That way, I won’t give anything away, and I’m not sharing any spoilers. However, despite my initial intentions, I found myself offering a few additional insights as well. These words turned out to be quite useful when dealing with the unexpected technical hiccups that occurred before the premiere of Twinless, ensuring a smoother second take for the audience’s viewing pleasure.

During the Sundance promotional video, there were instances where the audio cut out for several seconds. When the movie was about to begin, the screen suddenly went dark and the Eccles theater lights came on. A representative from Sundance stepped onto the stage to announce a delay in the screening to over 1,200 attendees. “We’re going to perform a quick check to guarantee you an optimal viewing experience,” they explained. “We expect to resume shortly, just a few minutes.

Approximately 10 minutes onwards, the movie commenced, but intermittent issues with the audio persisted, causing the sound to occasionally drop out during the screening. This resulted in displeasure from several spectators due to missed dialogue. However, these hiccups didn’t seem to affect the audience’s overall enjoyment of the film. In fact, O’Brien’s dedicated performance left the festival goers enchanted. It is noteworthy that he portrays both twins, one gay and one straight, alongside Sweeney’s character Denis, who delivers some genuinely moving, funny, and surprising scenes.

Tyler O’Brien initially gained fame with roles in hit young adult series like “Teen Wolf” and the “Maze Runner” franchise. More recently, he has been earning critical acclaim, being hailed as a film festival favorite. Last year, he visited Park City to promote his Sundance Film Festival selection, “Ponyboi,” and was also seen in Jason Reitman’s highly praised film, “Saturday Night,” which was a standout at the Toronto International Film Festival last fall. This week, it was announced that O’Brien will star in Sam Raimi’s upcoming project, “Send Help,” which is currently in pre-production. However, before that, he is in Park City to support “Twinless,” a film seeking distribution from the festival.

This project has been a deeply cherished endeavor for our collaboration. It’s an incredibly thrilling moment for both us and him, as we introduce Twinless. He’s exceptionally gifted, a true joy to work with, and being involved in this project is one of my most treasured experiences. Tonight, indeed, holds a unique significance for all of us.

Previously at the red carpet event, I found myself captivated by O’Brien, a fellow executive producer on “Twinless,” who shared his initial fascination with Sweeney’s original script. As I read through its pages, I was drawn in by the harmonious blend of humor, tragedy, warmth, and intrigue – elements that resonate deeply with my own film preferences. It seemed to me that this script perfectly encapsulates what makes a film truly exceptional, as it deftly balances these clashing aspects with an authentic portrayal of its characters and their complex relationships.

Sweeney reciprocated the praise, “He’s truly exceptional,” he acknowledged about his fellow actor who stars alongside him in a mix of amusing and emotional buddy scenes, as well as an intense love scene. “I must give him credit. He’s been dedicated to this film since 2020, which was when we first crossed paths. He was the ideal accomplice. He’s not just a fantastic actor, but our collaboration was something truly unique and memorable.

Regarding his choice of topic, Sweeney was mindful with his language to avoid giving off the impression that he’s an overzealous twin enthusiast. “Indeed, they intrigue me greatly,” Sweeney admitted. “I spent my childhood enjoying shows like Sister, Sister and the projects of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. They are icons to me, and twins symbolized the ideal best friend I longed for as a military brat constantly moving from one state to another.

While attending college, Sweeney specialized in research psychology and found himself delving into research projects about twins during his studies. As he put it, “Twin subjects are often viewed as ideal specimens.” It was here that he first encountered the idea of twinless support groups. This concept resonated with him because it seemed to encompass such a profound loss of identity, a topic I believe he’s deeply fascinated by. A significant portion of a twin’s identity is shared, and the notion of losing your other half really touched him on an emotional level.

Moreover, he offered heartfelt praise for seasoned producer David Permut, who brought the film “Twinless” to life after discovering Sweeney’s previous work at Outfest. He acknowledged him as an unwaveringly optimistic and tireless driving force behind the movie, one who never lost hope of its production even when it seemed impossible.

Regarding Graham, she shared with THR her joy at returning to Sundance to support the film where she portrays O’Brien’s mother. She expressed that her role is quite minor but what attracted her was being a part of this filmmaker’s journey and admiration for Dylan’s work. She seldom gets offered darker roles, and this seemed like an exciting challenge. Ultimately, she simply adores these people; they are good-hearted individuals.

The Sundance Film Festival runs from Jan. 23–Feb. 2.

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2025-01-24 09:28