Twinless (2025) by James Sweeney: A Darkly Hilarious and Unsettling Bromance of Grief and Deception
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 30
- 7 min read
Short Summary: Trauma, Bromance, and Twisted Secrets Twinless is a black comedy film written, directed by, and starring James Sweeney. It's a darkly hilarious and unsettling tale about two young men, Roman (Dylan O'Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney), who trauma-bond over the loss of their respective twin siblings in a bereavement support group. What begins as an unlikely and seemingly cathartic friendship quickly devolves into a codependent, psychologically unsettling buddy comedy filled with emotional manipulation, unexpected twists, and a deep dive into the messy, irrational, and often funny aspects of grief, loneliness, and deception.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31322753/
Theatrical Release: September 5, 2025 (United States) Twinless had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2025, where it won the Audience Award. It is scheduled for a wider theatrical release in the United States on September 5, 2025, distributed by Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions holds the international rights.
Detailed Summary: A Friendship Forged in Loss, Fueled by Secrets Twinless takes a unique and audacious approach to exploring grief and human connection.
The film begins with an abrupt car accident and funeral, immediately setting a tone that is equal parts hilarious, unsettling, and poignant.
We meet Roman (Dylan O'Brien), a seemingly straightforward "bro" type grappling with the recent accidental death of his twin brother, Rocky. Roman is emotionally adrift and prone to outbursts.
In a twin bereavement support group, he encounters Dennis (James Sweeney), another "twinless twin" whose grief has seemingly curdled into something almost predatory. Dennis is awkward, witty, and a compulsive storyteller, often prone to lying.
Their initial dynamic is defined by their seemingly mismatched personalities, but they quickly form an intense connection, finding solace in each other's shared experience of profound loss. Their "bromance" becomes a study in trauma-bonding and emotional dependency.
However, as their friendship deepens, the film starts to reveal that all is not what it seems. Sweeney employs a "slippery narrative" and shifts in point of view, particularly a significant one about 30 minutes into the film, to reveal that Dennis has been far more involved in shaping events and has a duplicitous nature.
The narrative transforms from a bittersweet buddy movie into something more akin to a psychological thriller, exploring unhealthy boundaries, manipulation, and the unsettling ways people try to fill voids left by loss.
The film is praised for its impeccable chemistry between O'Brien and Sweeney, with O'Brien delivering a standout performance embodying Roman's vulnerability, rage, and a subtle critique of traditional masculinity. Sweeney, as director and actor, grounds the increasingly toxic choices of Dennis in a disturbingly personal performance.
Shot on 35mm film, the cinematography adds warmth and texture that intentionally contrasts with the psychological torment at the heart of the story.
Director's Vision: Subverting Expectations and Embracing Messiness James Sweeney, who also wrote and stars in the film, demonstrates a confident and distinctive directorial vision.
Building on his previous work like Straight Up, Sweeney proves himself a "millennial force to be reckoned with," known for his razor-sharp wit and exploration of identity, mental health, and the awkward nature of human connection.
His vision is to confront themes like loss, loneliness, and codependency head-on, without offering easy answers or neat resolutions.
Sweeney intentionally constructs a "slippery narrative" that mirrors the emotionally damaged characters, constantly subverting expectations and "pulling the rug out from under the audience." This keeps viewers guessing and unsettled.
He uses 35mm film to create a visual warmth that ironically highlights the dark and unsettling psychological journey of the characters.
The film aims to explore grief not as a straight line, but as something strange, irrational, and even darkly funny, showing up in unexpected places.
Sweeney's direction focuses on showing "major promise both in front of and behind the camera," with critics praising his "sophisticated sense of framing, pace and exquisitely uncomfortable dramatic tension."
Themes: Grief, Loneliness, Codependency, Deception, Identity, and Masculinity Twinless delves into a complex array of psychological and social themes.
Grief and Loss: Explores the non-linear, often bizarre, and deeply personal nature of grief, particularly the unique experience of losing a twin.
Loneliness and the Search for Connection: Highlights the desperate human need for companionship and how it can lead to unhealthy or manipulative relationships when a void needs filling.
Codependency and Unhealthy Boundaries: The central friendship showcases how two emotionally vulnerable individuals can become entangled in a destructive, mutually dependent dynamic.
Deception and Manipulation: A significant plot element revolves around the lies and manipulative tactics employed by one of the protagonists, raising questions about trust and perception.
Identity After Loss: The film examines how a person's identity is reshaped after losing a "half" of themselves, especially in the context of a twin bond.
Masculinity and Emotional Repression: Through Roman's character, the film subtly critiques traditional masculinity and the difficulty some men face in expressing emotions beyond anger or dependency.
Queer Dynamics: While not explicitly a "queer film" in its central romance, Sweeney's previous work and the "messy gay" persona of Dennis, along with subtle hints, suggest an exploration of how gay men navigate their desires within a broader societal context.
Key Success Factors: Bold Vision and Stellar Performances Twinless's critical success and anticipation stem from several key elements.
Original and Provocative Premise: The dark comedy take on twin bereavement is unique and immediately intriguing.
Strong Performances: Dylan O'Brien's acclaimed performance as Roman, coupled with James Sweeney's nuanced portrayal of Dennis, is central to the film's emotional and comedic impact.
James Sweeney's Multi-Hyphenate Talent: His ability to write, direct, and star, especially after the success of Straight Up, establishes him as a significant voice in indie cinema.
Genre-Bending Narrative: The film effectively blends dark comedy, drama, and psychological thriller elements, keeping audiences engaged and off-balance.
Critical Acclaim & Awards: Winning the Audience Award Dramatic and the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting (for Dylan O'Brien) at Sundance 2025 immediately established its critical bona fides.
Awards and Nominations: Highly Decorated at Sundance Twinless has already received significant accolades.
Sundance Film Festival 2025:
Winner: Audience Award – U.S. Dramatic
Winner: U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting (Dylan O'Brien)
Nominated: Grand Jury Prize – U.S. Dramatic
Palm Springs International Film Festival 2025:
Winner: Directors to Watch (James Sweeney)
Seattle International Film Festival 2025:
Winner: Best Director (James Sweeney)
Runner-up: Best Film
Critics Reception: A "Gripping," "Ingeniously Squirmy" Triumph Critics have been overwhelmingly positive, praising Twinless for its originality, performances, and complex exploration of difficult themes.
Variety: Calls it "ingeniously squirmy and borderline inappropriate," praising Sweeney's "sophisticated sense of framing, pace and exquisitely uncomfortable dramatic tension."
The Hollywood Reporter: Describes it as a "gripping psychological thriller" and highlights the "impeccable" chemistry between O'Brien and Sweeney.
InBetweenDrafts: Labels it "darkly hilarious" and a "twisted, codependent buddy comedy with a side of existential panic," noting it's a "rare dramedy that keeps you guessing." It calls O'Brien's performance potentially his "best role yet" and Sweeney's script "painfully funny and deeply troubling."
The Lamplight Review: Praises its "tonal whiplash" and calls it a "daring and deeply affecting work," cementing Sweeney as a filmmaker to watch and O'Brien's range. It highlights the film's dialogue about gender, grief, and emotional repression, avoiding clichés.
Observer: Notes how Sweeney "destabilizes genre expectations by transforming this bittersweet buddy movie through unsettling shifts in tone and point of view," and praises his "disturbingly personal performance."
The Cinema Group: Calls it an "audacious blend of comedy and drama that dives headfirst into the intricacies of grief, identity, and the human longing for connection," with dialogue that "sparkles with wit and irreverence."
Overall Summary: Critics are universally impressed by Sweeney's bold vision and the film's ability to tackle heavy themes with dark humor and narrative complexity. The performances of both Sweeney and O'Brien are consistently lauded.
Reviews: Provocative, Hilarious, and Deeply Unsettling Audience reviews, especially those from its Sundance premiere, are expected to echo the critical reception, though some may find the film's dark humor and unsettling nature challenging.
Viewers who appreciate unconventional narratives and challenging takes on human psychology will likely find it brilliant.
The chemistry between the leads is a major draw, keeping audiences invested even as the plot twists.
Its blend of comedy and psychological depth will appeal to those looking for more than a straightforward genre film.
Overall Summary: Reviews will confirm it as a unique and memorable film that pushes boundaries and leaves a lasting impression, prompting discussion about its characters' motivations and the nature of their bond.
Release date on streaming: To Be Confirmed (Likely Late 2025 / Early 2026) While Twinless is set for a theatrical release in September 2025, specific streaming release dates are to be confirmed. It's likely to be available on digital platforms (VOD) and then streaming services several months after its theatrical debut, likely in late 2025 or early 2026.
Why to watch this movie: For a Fearless and Original Exploration of Grief Twinless is a must-watch for those seeking a film that is:
Boldly Original: It offers a fresh, unconventional, and often unsettling take on grief, friendship, and human psychology.
Darkly Hilarious: If you appreciate humor that pushes boundaries and finds comedy in uncomfortable truths.
Exceptional Performances: Dylan O'Brien and James Sweeney deliver compelling and nuanced portrayals.
Narratively Inventive: The film's "slippery narrative" and unexpected twists keep viewers engaged and challenged.
Auteur-Driven Cinema: James Sweeney's clear vision as writer, director, and star makes this a significant work by an emerging talent.
Psychologically Rich: It delves into complex themes of trauma, codependency, and the darker side of human connection.
What Movie Trend film is following: Dark Comedy / Psychological Dramedy / Trauma-Bonding Narrative Twinless firmly falls into the trends of Dark Comedy and Psychological Dramedy, specifically exploring Trauma-Bonding Narratives. It subverts traditional genre expectations by using humor to explore deeply uncomfortable and serious themes of grief and mental distress. The film's focus on a relationship formed out of shared trauma, which then veers into unhealthy and manipulative territory, is a key characteristic of this trend.
What Big Social Trend is following: The Normalization of Therapy Speak / Mental Health Destigmatization & Its Nuances Twinless engages with the social trend of the increasing normalization of therapy speak and the ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental health discussions, while simultaneously exploring the complex and sometimes messy realities of these issues. The setting of a bereavement support group highlights this trend, but the film then subverts expectations by showing how attempts to process grief can lead to unhealthy and manipulative relationships if underlying issues are not truly addressed. It critically examines the fine line between healthy coping mechanisms and destructive patterns when individuals are vulnerable and seeking connection.
Final Verdict: A Fearless and Unforgettable Journey into the Heart of Darkness (and Laughter) James Sweeney's Twinless is a cinematic tour de force, a audacious blend of dark comedy and psychological drama that is as unsettling as it is hilariously captivating. With stellar performances from Dylan O'Brien and Sweeney himself, and a constantly shifting narrative that keeps audiences on their toes, it's a profound and unflinching exploration of grief, loneliness, and the dangerous allure of codependency. Having already garnered significant awards and critical acclaim at Sundance, Twinless is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated and talked-about films of 2025. Be prepared for a film that will make you laugh, squirm, and think long after the credits roll.