‘Twinless’ Review: Dylan O’Brien Does Double Duty in Sly and Stirring Queer Charmer

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Following the demise of his twin brother Rocky, Roman (Dylan O’Brien), a hot-tempered resident of Portland, experiences an emotional upheaval. Life without his counterpart seems unbearable to him. The funeral for Rocky is an uneasy gathering. Those expressing their sympathies to Roman and his mother (Lauren Graham) break down upon seeing the living twin. They find it eerie and unsettling how much he resembles his deceased brother.

Debuting at Sundance, the offbeat dark comedy “Twinless” by James Sweeney could elicit comparable reactions. This film carries an unconventional mood, reminiscent of the absurdity found in “Problemista,” combined with the dry wit of “The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed.” It startles initially, but eventually finds its footing. Similar to Julio Torres and Joanna Arnow, Sweeney navigates a fine line between dry humor, heart-wrenching sorrow, and profound emotion, with varying levels of accomplishment. However, even when “Twinless” stumbles, it manages to regain its balance and excel in other aspects.

Sweeney’s compelling screenplay is peppered with poignant insights on sorrow and solitude, along with a few ingenious plot surprises. Similar to Sweeney’s initial work, Twinless, the film demonstrates the director-screenwriter’s talent in portraying modern distress. The main characters are apprehensive, introspective young individuals yearning for connection. Notably, Aisling Franciosi (from The Nightingale, Speak No Evil) and Chris Perfetti from Abbott Elementary deliver sharp quips, somber feelings, and philosophical concerns at a rapid pace that’s both chilling and captivating. O’Brien, who was in the crime thriller Ponyboi last year, delivers an exceptional and dedicated performance. The actor skillfully takes on two roles, Roman and his brother Rocky, identical twins who are as different as night and day, and convincingly adapts to each role’s specific demands.

Without any foreknowledge, one should approach it as minimally informed as feasible, for it thrives on oblivion. If you’re sensitive to spoilers, now might be the ideal moment to step aside. Following the funeral, Roman connects with a fellowship of individuals who have lost their twin siblings. This group, guided by Charlotte (an impressive performance by Tasha Smith), convenes in an underused multimedia room to cope with their grief. Amidst unappetizing cookies and lukewarm drinks, they reminisce about their departed counterparts and mourn their newfound singleness.

I hope this version maintains the original’s naturalness and readability while providing a slightly more engaging experience for readers.

This is where Roman encounters Dennis (Sweeney), a tall graphic designer with a romantic streak and a soft spot for love. The pair find common ground in their shared grief, initially helping each other out with minor tasks, but later providing emotional comfort. Roman grieves the missed opportunities to truly understand Rocky, who was openly gay, sociable, and globetrotting, and reflects on how they seldom delved deep into conversation before his passing. The more reserved twin, who considers himself not overly sharp or driven, often struggled to connect with his brother. Their conversations remained superficial; their final discussion revolved around socks.

Sweeney skillfully sets up the initial sequences with the gentle unease and amusing undertones of a heartfelt buddy movie. A sudden, sharp edit (masterfully done by Nik Boyanov) alters the atmosphere. As the opening titles unfold, the focus shifts from Roman to Dennis. The gloomy hues of Portland are brightened by vibrant neons, a collaboration between Sweeney and cinematographer Greg Cotten who also worked on Straight Up. It is revealed that Dennis had previously known Rocky before he passed away; scenes show them spending a radiant evening together, engaging in intimate moments and sharing confidences. Dennis confesses his fascination with twins and his childhood fantasy of the kind portrayed in The Parent Trap, which he used to combat feelings of loneliness.

In a fresh perspective, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, famously known for his role in “The Maze Runner,” sheds the gloomy demeanor of his twin character Roman. Instead, he adopts the other’s sharp intellect and captivating allure, trading roughness for charm. A clever transformation – with a mustache and fashion sense beyond casual black sweatshirts and jeans (costume design by Erin Orr) – solidifies this change.

The intimate bond between Roman and Dennis, as well as other disclosures, cast doubt on their initial meeting’s authenticity and the warmth they shared. As Sweeney delves deeper into Dennis’ background, he emerges as a more intricate character in “Twinless.” This film navigates the delicate balance between its sincere exploration of loss and the escalating tension with finesse. Sweeney’s skillful direction smooths over the rough patches during this transition. From its very beginning, “Twinless” captivates, seldom releasing its grip: If a movie embodied the saying “Never reveal your next move,” it would be this one.

Despite not being a twin himself, Sweeney appears to have thoughtfully explored the unique connection between siblings and skillfully intertwines these insights with his reflections on solitude. What sets Twinless apart and surprisingly empathetic is how this director portrays grieving characters. He focuses particularly on Roman, who shows a depth of emotional vulnerability, and Dennis, whose obsessions gradually reveal signs of deep sadness and longing.

In a particularly powerful sequence in the movie, Dennis adopts a unique approach to help Roman express his feelings by speaking to him as if he were Rocky Balboa. Seated face-to-face, the typically reserved twin unexpectedly erupts with intense emotions. The director’s choice to shoot this scene in tight, almost suffocating close-ups and O’Brien’s portrayal of Roman’s sorrow, which transforms into anger before returning to sadness, creates a profound emotional impact that is difficult to forget.

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2025-01-24 22:55