James Sweeney is a filmmaker with whom I am not at all familiar. However, after watching Twinless, I would love to see what this talented filmmaker and actor have to offer. This movie boldly combines awkward, dark humor with just the right amount of humanity, examining how some people can connect in profound ways, despite their personal differences. The film also stars Dylan O’Brien, who delivers some exceptional acting here, portraying a couple of very different twin brothers who, despite their differences, are true brothers, heart and soul.
Sweeney portrays Dennis, an introverted and socially awkward gay young man who craves genuine personal connections with people, but, because of his fears and mental health problems, he cannot seem to accomplish this. This issue changes when he meets Romano (O’Brien), a twin who recently lost his brother Rocky to a freak auto accident. The two meet at a support group for twin siblings who lost their twins too soon. After the two connect, they seem to be inseparable. Though very different from Rocky, Roman hopes to understand his late brother’s life better by getting to know Dennis on a more personal level. And the two become great friends; however, the circumstances of their meeting are revealed to be under pretenses.
I would love to tell what these pretenses are, but that could ruin the experience of an audience member discovering this truth without experiencing it as the filmmakers intended. Let me say that this relationship is based on a lie, and that the truth does eventually come out. However, the journey there is a mix of beauty, emotions, and much amusement. Sweeney does a mostly outstanding job of developing his lead characters in ways that show their vulnerable humanity.
Though Dennis and Roman can have unlikable qualities, their pains are genuine and relatable. Both Sweeney and O’Brien absolutely shine here as actors and have an authentic connection to the characters they are portraying. Some aspects of this story might be triggering for people who have experienced similar scenarios, but Sweeney does a great job of showing the consequences of his character’s actions.
This film actually blew me away. I know it might sound cliché, but I actually laughed heartily, and I also cried a little when it came to the more powerful moments in the story. This movie has made me a fan of James Sweeney, not just as a filmmaker, but also as an actor. I am also impressed with O’Brien, who not only portrays Roman but also performs as his twin brother, Rocky (in flashbacks). Twinless is an exceptional indie film that deserves much attention, love, and money, so I highly recommend that people check it out in theaters.