Twinless

Dennis (James Sweeney) and Roman (Dylan O'Brien) try to overcome their loneliness together in Twinless (Distributed by Roadside Attractions)

Twinless is a story of loss, identity and longing. It is an honest, engaging, dark comedy that bounces between darkness and light. It is about two people who both need connection and believe they have found a kindred spirit in each other. It is also about needing someone else in order for you to understand who you are. It is sad, funny and surprising, with a tremendous performance from Dylan O’Brien. This is the second feature from writer/director/star James Sweeney. It is obvious that he had a clear idea of what he wanted to do here. There is a confidence that comes with every plot turn, like he was sure the audience would follow him, no matter how uncomfortable things get. The result is captivating and very much a journey worth taking.

Roman is lost. His identical twin, Rocky, died suddenly, leaving him detached from the rest of the world. At a support group for people who have lost their twin, Roman meets Dennis, another soul missing his other half. They find what they are lacking in each other. However, Dennis is hiding something pretty significant, leading to serious complications for them both.

It is hard to discuss Twinless (96 minutes, not including the end credits) without giving away any of its surprises, so I will tread lightly. Roman only felt connected to his twin. He doesn’t know how to go on with Rocky no longer in the world. Dennis is equally lonely, searching and confused. He too has issues with knowing himself. Together they are almost whole. Dennis is gay, Roman is straight, but this isn’t about sexual attraction. It is about finding someone broken in the same way as you, who you can just be with, comfortably, without feeling like something is missing. That is what they think they have.

This is absolutely the best performance of Dylan O’Brien’s career, thus far. Roman isn’t the most intelligent guy, yet he is earnest as he struggles with emotions he can’t quite comprehend. He is needy in a way that causes him to internalize his pain. Though this is sad, O’Brien plays him as someone who doesn’t want pity. He simply wants to learn how to live when half of him is gone forever.

He also plays Rocky, in flashbacks, which is totally different work. He nicely establishes an entire personality in a little bit of screentime. Rocky is confident, knowledgeable and outgoing, where Roman is none of those things. However, like his brother, Rocky has insecurities related to being a twin. Those are expressed in a very touching speech that Roman just is not capable of. I truly hope that what Dylan O’Brien accomplished with these two characters doesn’t get forgotten come award season.

That said, Twinless is not only his triumph. I was not familiar with James Sweeney before this. Here, he firmly shows himself to be a distinct, thoughtful, voice. He also gives a successfully awkward performance as Dennis. It is tough work because we have to believe that Roman would genuinely like him, while we are able to see what a complete mess this guy is. Dennis is funny, weird, off-putting and sympathetic. It is a credit to Sweeney as a writer that his lead characters are kind of likable, despite some considerable flaws. He doesn’t shy away from his themes, finding humor in odd places. This is an impressive movie.

4 out of 5

Dylan O’Brien as Roman and Rocky

James Sweeney as Dennis

Lauren Graham as Lisa

Aisling Franciosi as Marcie

Written/Directed by James Sweeney