After the death of his twin brother Rocky, Roman (played by Dylan O'Brien) finds himself grappling with profound grief and uncertainty in the film Twinless, a dark comedy by James Sweeney. The film, which premiered at Sundance, shockingly explores the pain of loss as attendees of Rocky's funeral break down upon seeing Roman, who bears a striking resemblance to his deceased twin. It is a testament to Sweeney's unique directing style, characterized by stunning performances and clever narrative turns.
Sweeney's masterfully crafted screenplay reveals the harsh realities of grief and loneliness with biting accuracy. Twinless, like Sweeney’s earlier work, Straight Up, effectively portrays the quintessential symptoms of modern malaise. Aisling Franciosi and Chris Perfetti among others complement Sweeney’s cast, delivering witty retorts, grim outlooks and existential worries with equal parts authenticity and assurance. The single highlight of the film though is the compelling and versatile performance by O'Brien, playing both the characters of Roman and his twin brother Rocky.
Following Rocky's funeral, Roman finds solace in a support group for bereaved twins, which introduces him to Dennis (played by Sweeney), a graphic designer and desolate romantic. Despite their differing temperaments, Roman and Dennis find comfort in one another, offering assistance with mundane tasks before eventually providing emotional support. The film artfully captures the burgeoning relationship between these two grieving individuals in scenes that oscillate between intimate awkwardness and tender humor.
Through the character of Dennis, there is a shift in perspective, exposing Rocky's vivacious and adventurous spirit in contrast to Roman's melancholic persona. Sweeney’s effective collaboration with cinematographer Greg Cotten brings out the stark contrast between the twins' personalities through subtle changes in color. It is further revealed that Dennis had an acquaintance with Rocky, thus adding an unexpected dynamic to Dennis and Roman's relationship.
As more revelations come to light, the spontaneous bond between Roman and Dennis is challenged, and the simplicity of their initial encounter is thrown into a new perspective. As Dennis' character becomes more layered, the film must strike a careful equilibrium between pensive insight on grief and its escalating narrative stakes. The film thus provides an unsettling perspective on the unique bond between twins, crafting an insightful portrayal of grief-stricken characters.
One of the standout scenes showcases Dennis coaxing Roman to express his emotions as though he were speaking to his deceased twin. The raw emotion portrayed illuminates the film's skillful exploration of grief, offering a deeply moving experience for viewers. Embarking on the exploration of grief and loneliness, Twinless presents a refined balance between humor and poignant devastation, making it an absorbing watch.
