Have you ever wanted a twin? That is the question Twinless poses. James Sweeney (writer/director/star) tosses us into the grief-ridden world of Roman (Dylan O’Brien) who just lost his twin brother, Rocky (also O’Brien). Though the tragedy happens offscreen, we are joining Roman and his mom (Lauren Graham) while they are still navigating their way through it.

When Roman goes to a support group for bereaved twins, he meets Dennis (Sweeney). After an initially-awkward talk they find a groove, and Dennis quickly becomes the person Roman can go to when things become too much. He struggles with emotional regulation and doesn’t like being alone, so he and Dennis bond over late-night grocery shopping and phone calls.

Twinless grabs the idea of male intimacy and shakes it. In media, you don’t often see a straight guy and a queer guy have a close friendship. There is always some sort of barrier, whether it’s internal or societal. That does not exist in Sweeney’s world, nor does it matter who likes what. Dennis and Roman become friends the way the rest of the world becomes friends: they meet, and they enjoy spending time together.

On Grief And Loneliness

We all grieve differently, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Twinless’s power is in its deft exploration of it and how it shapes us. Oftentimes, people believe that it’s a linear thing, but Sweeney goes to great lengths to show us the rollercoaster of it, and how one minute you can be fine, and the next one little thing can set you off. It’s married with a careful but sharp humor, and it manages to balance it all. Really, Twinless is a dark comedy about grief.

At first, what draws Roman to Dennis is that Dennis is gay, like Rocky was. Over the years the twins had drifted somewhat apart, and Roman didn’t know much about that aspect of Rocky’s life and wanted to learn. It’s at once both sweet and a little odd, but one of Roman’s strong suits is that he’s a character who is constantly trying to mature as a person.

Sweeney is also a master behind the camera. Twinless utilizes split-screen, as well as several uniquely interesting shots. It’s the kind of experimentation that needs to be seen more in modern cinema, and if it has to be Sweeney, then by all means please continue to fund his films. It’s a funny, unpredictable film that will tug your heart in countless directions.

Twinless premiered on June 7 at Tribeca and will premiere nationwide in theatres on September 5. It will play again at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 10 and 14.

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