New Movies: The Twin (2024) by J.C. Doler: A Grieving Father Haunted by His Doppelgänger

Core Summary: Grief, Trauma, and an Irish Folklore Demon

"The Twin", also known by its original title "The Fetch", is a supernatural horror film directed by J.C. Doler. It premiered at the 2024 Austin Film Festival where it won the Audience Award for Best Horror Feature in Dark Matters. After the tragic accidental death of his young son, Nicholas (played by Logan Donovan) spirals into intense grief, further straining his relationship with his wife Charlie (Aleksa Palladino). Under the supervision of psychiatrist Dr. Beaumont (Robert Longstreet), Nicholas begins experiencing terrifying visions of a shadowy figure that looks exactly like himself. This malevolent entity is revealed to be a "Fetch," a demon from Irish folklore that preys on the vulnerable and acts as an omen for coming death. As the line between reality and nightmare blurs, Nicholas must confront his past, his overwhelming guilt, and the supernatural force consuming him, before it completely destroys his sanity and everything he holds dear. The film, which evolved from a $900 short film titled "Hangman," was released by Vertical in select US theaters and on VOD on July 1, 2025.

Snapshot: A Father's Grief, a Sinister Double, and Folkloric Terror

A grieving father, haunted by the accidental death of his son, descends into madness as a terrifying doppelgänger, an Irish "Fetch," exploits his guilt and threatens his very existence.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20411300/

Link Review: https://filmthreat.com/reviews/the-fetch/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-twin-2024-0 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-twin-2024 (Canada)

Deep Dive: Beyond Grief, Into the Heart of a Nightmare

"The Twin" is a character-driven psychological and supernatural horror film that uses a classic folkloric creature to explore profound themes of loss, guilt, and mental health.

Key aspects that define "The Twin" (J.C. Doler):

• Genre Blend: It seamlessly combines psychological horror (grief, unraveling sanity) with supernatural horror (the Fetch, Irish folklore) and elements of a gothic ghost story.

• Central Theme of Grief and Guilt: At its core, the film is a harrowing exploration of a parent's unimaginable loss and the suffocating guilt that can follow, serving as fertile ground for a malevolent entity.

• The "Fetch" Creature: The film introduces and builds upon the concept of the "Fetch," a less commonly used but deeply unsettling creature from Irish folklore, offering a fresh take on the doppelgänger trope. The Fetch often appears as an exact duplicate of a person, signaling impending doom.

• Strong Lead Performance: Logan Donovan carries much of the film's weight, not only portraying the grieving Nicholas but also his terrifying doppelgänger, earning praise for a "haunted and physically impressive performance."

• Mental Health Representation: The film aims to represent mental health conditions, particularly experiences akin to schizophrenia, in a realistic and empathetic way, highlighting the struggles of those grappling with such conditions.

• Atmospheric & Dread-Filled: Reviews consistently praise J.C. Doler's atmospheric direction and the production design for creating a tense and unnerving environment that amplifies the horror.

• Festival Acclaim: Winning the Audience Award for Best Horror Feature at the 2024 Austin Film Festival indicates strong audience reception and critical potential.

• Evolution from Short Film: The feature evolved from a low-budget short film, demonstrating a strong conceptual foundation and a passionate filmmaking team.

• 2025 Release: Despite being a "2024" film due to its festival premiere, its wider theatrical and VOD release occurred on July 1, 2025.

"The Twin" aims to deliver a "heart-horror" experience, providing both scares and a poignant exploration of the human cost of grief.

The Journey: Nicholas's Descent into a Haunting Reality

• Tragic Loss: Nicholas and Charlie suffer the devastating accidental death of their young son, Jacob, instantly shattering their lives and straining their relationship.

• Spiraling Grief and Isolation: Nicholas becomes consumed by grief and guilt, isolating himself from Charlie and struggling with his mental state, often through his painting.

• The Appearance of the Fetch: Under the care of psychiatrist Dr. Beaumont, Nicholas begins experiencing terrifying visions of a shadowy figure that looks exactly like him – the titular Fetch.

• Blurring Realities: The line between Nicholas's psychological breakdown and the supernatural threat of the Fetch begins to blur, as the entity exploits his guilt and torments him with visions of his lost son.

• Confronting the Past: Nicholas is forced to delve into his past traumas and the reasons behind his immense guilt, understanding that confronting these internal demons is key to fighting the external one.

• Ultimate Showdown: The film culminates in a desperate confrontation between Nicholas and the Fetch, a battle for his sanity and his very existence.

Director's Lens: J.C. Doler's Symbiotic Horror of Heart and Haunting

J.C. Doler, making his feature directorial debut, demonstrates a keen understanding of horror that resonates beyond superficial scares. He approaches "The Twin" with a blend of emotional depth and atmospheric dread.

• Balancing Heart and Horror: Doler masterfully interweaves profound grief and emotional trauma with genuine supernatural terror. He emphasizes that "hurt people hurt people" and that grief is messy, portraying a realistic human response to loss that becomes fertile ground for the horror.

  • Filmmakers aiming for deeply impactful horror should understand that strong emotional stakes elevate the scares. By grounding the terror in relatable human experiences like grief, trauma, or guilt, directors can make the audience feel more invested in the characters' suffering, making the horror far more resonant and truly unsettling.

• Crafting Atmospheric Dread: Reviews highlight the film's impressive production design and use of color (e.g., sickly greens) to create a consistently tense and unnerving atmosphere, reminiscent of classic gothic horror.

  • To achieve pervasive dread, directors should pay meticulous attention to visual and auditory atmosphere. Strategic lighting, unsettling soundscapes, and thoughtful production design can create an environment that feels inherently menacing, ensuring that the film's setting itself contributes significantly to the horror.

• Leveraging Folklore for Fresh Scares: By choosing the Irish Fetch, Doler injects a unique and less common supernatural element into the doppelgänger trope, giving the film a distinctive flavor.

  • Filmmakers can revitalize common horror tropes by drawing inspiration from lesser-known folklore or cultural myths. This provides a fresh and intriguing foundation for supernatural entities, allowing for original scares and deeper thematic exploration that can surprise even seasoned horror fans.

Central Themes: Grief, Guilt, Mental Health, and the Shadow Self

• The Destructive Nature of Unprocessed Grief: The film vividly portrays how intense sorrow, if not confronted, can consume an individual and invite darker forces.

• Guilt as a Catalyst for Horror: Nicholas's overwhelming guilt over his son's death is the primary vulnerability exploited by the Fetch, emphasizing the internal demons that can manifest externally.

• Mental Health and Reality: The film explores the blurring lines between a character's psychological breakdown (visions, paranoia) and genuine supernatural intrusion, aiming for a realistic portrayal of mental health challenges.

• The Doppelgänger/Shadow Self: The Fetch, as Nicholas's double, symbolizes his own dark side, guilt, or the parts of himself he is afraid to confront, making the horror deeply personal.

• Irish Folklore: The integration of the "Fetch" provides a cultural and mythological layer to the supernatural elements.

Why It Shines: An Emotionally Potent and Terrifying Debut

• Heart-Rending Story: A genuinely moving exploration of grief and its psychological toll.

• Effective Supernatural Horror: The "Fetch" is a unique and chilling creature rooted in folklore.

• Outstanding Performances: Logan Donovan, Aleksa Palladino, and Robert Longstreet deliver strong, impactful portrayals.

• Award-Winning Direction: J.C. Doler's feature debut shows a confident grasp of atmosphere and character.

• Timely Relevance: Addresses themes of mental health, grief, and trauma in a compelling way.

Critics Reception: Acclaimed for Its Depth and Dread

"The Twin" (J.C. Doler) has received positive reviews following its premiere at the 2024 Austin Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award, and leading up to its July 1, 2025, wider release. Critics praise its emotional depth, strong performances, and effective blend of psychological and supernatural horror.

• Emotional Resonance: Reviewers frequently highlight the film's sensitive and impactful portrayal of grief and trauma, noting it as a "heart-horror" that connects emotionally.

• Atmospheric Tension: J.C. Doler's direction is commended for building sustained dread and an unsettling atmosphere, making the film genuinely frightening without relying on cheap scares.

• Lead Performances: Logan Donovan's dual role as Nicholas and the Fetch is widely lauded as "haunted and physically impressive," while Aleksa Palladino and Robert Longstreet also receive praise for their nuanced portrayals.

• Unique Folklore: The use of the Irish "Fetch" is seen as a refreshing and effective take on the doppelgänger trope, adding originality to the supernatural elements.

• Genre Balance: Critics appreciate how the film seamlessly balances its horror elements with a compelling character drama, making it both terrifying and thought-provoking.

Overall Summary: "The Twin" is widely considered a successful and impactful horror debut for J.C. Doler, noted for its emotional depth, strong performances, and ability to deliver a chilling, folklore-infused supernatural thriller.

Audience Reactions: Viscerally Scared and Emotionally Moved

Early audience reactions from festival screenings and online discussions following its VOD release on July 1, 2025, indicate that "The Twin" resonates deeply, both terrifying and affecting viewers on an emotional level.

• Emotional Impact: Many viewers are touched by the film's portrayal of grief and the psychological struggles of its protagonist, finding it relatable and heartbreaking.

• Genuine Scares: Audiences report feeling genuinely unnerved by the Fetch and the film's atmospheric build-up, appreciating the psychological tension.

• Discussion on Mental Health: The film's exploration of mental health challenges in the context of horror sparks conversations among viewers.

• Word-of-Mouth: Its positive festival reception and unique premise are generating strong word-of-mouth among horror fans looking for more substantive genre films.

Overall Summary: "The Twin" is connecting with audiences who appreciate horror that is not only scary but also explores complex human emotions, leaving them both thrilled and deeply reflective.

Box Office Performance: Promising for an Independent Horror

"The Twin" (J.C. Doler), distributed by Vertical Entertainment, had a targeted release strategy with a VOD launch on July 1, 2025, alongside select theatrical engagements. For an independent horror film, its performance will be measured by its digital viewership and critical reception, rather than blockbuster theatrical numbers.

• Distribution Strategy: Vertical's acquisition for North American distribution and its VOD-first strategy are common for independent genre films, aiming for broad accessibility to horror fans.

• Festival Acclaim: The Audience Award at Austin Film Festival provides a strong boost for marketing and attracting both critics and a dedicated audience.

• Budget & Profitability: While specific budget figures are not widely publicized, independent horror films often achieve profitability on modest budgets, making strong VOD numbers a significant success.

• Comparisons: It draws comparisons to elevated horror films that have found success in the streaming era, indicating its potential to carve out a strong niche.

Overall Summary: "The Twin" is expected to perform well within the independent and digital horror market, leveraging its critical buzz and compelling premise to reach a wide audience through VOD and select theatrical showings.

Production Notes: From Short Film Idea to Feature-Length Terror

"The Twin" (originally "The Fetch") is a significant directorial debut for J.C. Doler, showing a meticulous development process and collaborative effort.

• Directed by: J.C. Doler

• Written by: J.C. Doler and Paul Petersen (Screenplay); Taylor Bracewell, Chris Alan Evans, Paul Petersen, and J.C. Doler (Story)

• Starring:

  • Logan Donovan as Nicholas (and The Fetch)

  • Aleksa Palladino as Charlie

  • Robert Longstreet as Dr. Beaumont

  • Shannon Cochran as Shelby

  • Tripp Toupal as Jacob (Young Son)

• Producers: Logan Donovan, Alexander Jeffery, Paul Petersen, Brittany Fallow, Chris Alan Evans, J.C. Doler

• Executive Producers: Jaime Schwartzberg, Andrew Schwartzberg, Ben Hoeller, Holger Fuchs, Tamra Corley Davis

• Cinematography: Joel Froome

• Production Design: Reece Roark

• Costume Design: Taylor Bracewell

• Music by: Zviad Mgebry

• Origin: Developed from a 2016 short film titled "Hangman."

• Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes)

• Country: United States

• Language: English

• Status: Released (July 1, 2025)

Production Companies: Story Engine, Aisle 7 Post Production, Bespoke Works

• Story Engine

• Aisle 7 Post Production

• Bespoke Works

Sales & Distribution: Vertical

• North American Distributor: Vertical

• Release Date: July 1, 2025 (US Theatrical & VOD)

Release Timeline: Festival Premiere to Summer VOD Launch

• Festival Premiere: 2024 Austin Film Festival (Audience Award for Best Horror Feature, Dark Matters)

• Theatrical & VOD Release (North America): July 1, 2025

Why See It: For a Heartfelt Yet Harrowing Supernatural Thriller

• For its unique blend of emotional drama and supernatural terror: It's a "heart-horror" that will deeply affect you.

• To experience a fresh take on folklore: The Irish "Fetch" provides a distinctive and terrifying entity.

• For outstanding lead performances: Logan Donovan's dual role is particularly compelling.

• If you appreciate atmospheric and psychologically rich horror: It builds dread through mood and character.

• To support an award-winning independent feature debut: J.C. Doler delivers a strong vision.

Why Watch: If You're Ready to Face Your Inner Demons

• If you're drawn to horror that explores profound themes of grief, guilt, and trauma: It offers a deeply human core.

• If you appreciate films that subtly blur the lines between psychological breakdown and supernatural reality: It keeps you guessing.

• To witness the chilling power of a doppelgänger in folklore: The Fetch is a truly unsettling presence.

• If you seek independent horror that prioritizes character and atmosphere over cheap scares: It offers a more nuanced and lasting fright.

• For a film that handles mental health themes with sensitivity within a terrifying narrative: It aims for realistic representation.

Movie Trend: The Grief Horror Subgenre

"The Twin" (2024/2025) is a prime example of the burgeoning Grief Horror subgenre. This trend focuses on the emotional and psychological devastation of loss, manifesting as supernatural phenomena, psychological breakdowns, or monstrous entities. These films use the intense pain of grief, often coupled with guilt, to create a deeply personal and unsettling form of horror. They explore how unprocessed emotions can become literal haunting presences, blurring the line between internal suffering and external threat, offering a cathartic yet terrifying experience that delves into the darkest corners of human sorrow.

Social Trend: Open Conversations on Mental Health and Trauma

"The Twin" (2024/2025) directly engages with the growing social trend of Open Conversations on Mental Health and Trauma. In contemporary society, there's an increasing willingness to discuss mental health struggles, grief, and the long-term impact of traumatic experiences. The film's narrative, centered on a father's descent into visions and paranoia following his son's death and explicitly aiming to portray mental health conditions realistically, resonates with this trend. It reflects a cultural shift towards destigmatizing mental illness and acknowledging the profound ways in which personal loss and unaddressed guilt can manifest, underscoring the importance of understanding and empathy in navigating psychological suffering.

Final Verdict: A Heartbreaking Haunting of Guilt and Grief

"The Twin" (2024/2025), J.C. Doler's deeply affecting feature debut, stands as a poignant and genuinely terrifying exploration of a parent's most profound nightmare. Having garnered critical acclaim and the Audience Award at the 2024 Austin Film Festival, and subsequently released on VOD on July 1, 2025, the film has quickly established itself as a significant entry in the psychological and supernatural horror genres. Logan Donovan delivers a harrowing and physically demanding performance as Nicholas, a father consumed by guilt after his son's accidental death, whose grief becomes fertile ground for a malevolent entity known as a "Fetch" from Irish folklore. Doler's masterful direction skillfully weaves together intense emotional drama with chilling supernatural dread, blurring the lines between psychological breakdown and literal haunting. "The Twin" is a raw, empathetic, and ultimately terrifying look at how unresolved trauma and unaddressed mental anguish can invite the darkest of shadows, making it a must-see for those seeking horror with a profound human core.

Recommendations for filmmakers: Crafting Empathy in the Face of Terror

• Ground Supernatural Horror in Authentic Emotional Trauma: "The Twin" excels by making its spectral threat a direct manifestation of the protagonist's profound grief and guilt. Filmmakers should understand that the most resonant horror often springs from genuine human suffering and psychological wounds. This approach allows the audience to connect deeply with the characters' struggles, making the supernatural elements far more impactful and terrifying because they prey on relatable emotional vulnerabilities. By rooting the horror in the heart, directors can create a film that is not only scary but also deeply moving and thought-provoking, transcending typical genre boundaries.

• Prioritize Atmospheric Dread and Character Psychology Over Jump Scares: J.C. Doler meticulously builds a pervasive sense of unease through unsettling atmosphere, nuanced performances, and a focus on Nicholas's deteriorating mental state. Directors aiming for sophisticated horror should invest in crafting a consistent mood of dread through cinematography, sound design, and patient pacing. This method allows the horror to seep into the audience's mind, creating a lingering and psychological fear that is far more effective than fleeting jump scares. By making the character's internal reality the primary source of terror, filmmakers can create a truly unsettling experience that challenges perceptions and lingers long after the credits.

• Explore Underexplored Folklore or Mythologies for Fresh Scares: The film's use of the "Fetch" from Irish folklore provides a unique and unsettling twist on the doppelgänger trope. Filmmakers looking to innovate within established horror genres should research and integrate lesser-known myths, legends, or cultural anxieties into their narratives. This can inject originality and a distinct cultural flavor into their stories, surprising audiences who are accustomed to more common horror creatures or tropes. By drawing from rich, untapped wells of folklore, directors can create monsters and scenarios that feel both ancient and terrifyingly new.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Supporting Soulful, Thought-Provoking Horror

• Invest in "Heart-Horror" Films that Blend Emotional Depth with Genre Thrills: "The Twin" demonstrates that horror can be both terrifying and deeply emotional, connecting with audiences through themes of grief and mental health. The industry should actively seek out and fund horror projects that are character-driven and explore profound human experiences, moving beyond superficial scares. These films often garner critical acclaim and attract a broader audience, including those who might not typically watch horror, proving that the genre can offer significant artistic and social commentary. By supporting emotionally resonant horror, the industry can elevate the genre and foster more meaningful cinematic experiences.

• Champion Independent and Debut Filmmakers with Distinctive Visions: J.C. Doler's "The Twin" began as a short film and evolved into an award-winning feature, showcasing a strong, singular voice. The industry should continue to empower and provide platforms for emerging independent directors who demonstrate a clear artistic vision and a unique approach to storytelling. Investing in new talent brings fresh perspectives, innovative techniques, and original narratives to the cinematic landscape. By nurturing these voices, the industry ensures a constant influx of creative energy and helps shape the future of film, moving beyond established formulas and conventional successes.

• Utilize Strategic VOD and Select Theatrical Releases for Independent Genre Films: The film's release strategy, combining festival exposure with a VOD launch and select theatrical runs, proved effective for maximizing reach. Distributors should continue to implement targeted multi-platform release strategies for independent genre films, leveraging festival buzz for critical validation and VOD for broad accessibility. This approach allows high-quality, independent films to find their dedicated audience without requiring massive theatrical budgets. By adapting distribution models to the current media landscape, the industry can ensure that compelling and thought-provoking independent genre cinema reaches viewers efficiently and profitably.

Final Conclusions: A Profound and Haunting Reflection of Human Pain

"The Twin" (2024/2025), J.C. Doler's critically acclaimed debut, is a powerful testament to horror's capacity for emotional depth and psychological insight. Following its successful festival run and VOD release, the film has solidified its place as a standout "heart-horror" that fearlessly delves into the suffocating grip of grief and guilt. Through Logan Donovan's raw and compelling performance, Doler masterfully crafts a narrative where the terrifying supernatural manifestation of the "Fetch" serves as a chilling, yet empathetic, externalization of internal torment. "The Twin" is more than just a scary movie; it is a profound and unsettling exploration of the human mind's fragility in the face of unbearable loss, reminding us that the most persistent and terrifying demons are often those born from our own unaddressed pain and the shadows of our deepest sorrow.