TWINLESS
(director/writer: James Sweeney; cinematographer: Greg Cotten; editor: Nik Boyanov; music: Jung Jae-ji; cast: Dylan O’Brian (Roman/Rocky), James Sweeney (Dennis), Lauren Graham (Lisa), Aisling Franciosi (Marcie), Tasha Smith (Charlotte), Chris Perfetti (George), Susan Park (Sage, the boss); Runtime: 100; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: David Permut, James Sweeney; Roadside Attractions/Lionsgate; 2025)
“Offbeat dark comedy, which is both funny and creepy.”
Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz
James Sweeney (“Brooklyn Love Stories”/”Straight Up”) writes, directs and stars in this offbeat dark comedy, which is both funny and creepy.
In Portland, Oregon, at a support group for those whose twin sibling died, the thirty-something, dim-witted, Roman (Dylan O’Brien), mourns the sudden passing of his smarter and more successful twin brother Rocky (also played by Dylan) in a hit-and-run pedestrian/vehicle accident.
At the support group Roman meets the younger, shy, sarcastic and lonely gay graphic designer Dennis (James Sweeney), who feels guilty about his brother’s death, and the two bond like twin brothers. Their relationship changes, however, when Roman hooks up with Dennis’ tech workplace receptionist Marcie (Aisling Franciosi) and begins a romance, it upsets Dennis because he has issues about being abandoned by friends.
We learn that the straight Roman was estranged from the gay Rocky and lived in different cities.
The point of the film is that no matter the differences, the loss of a twin is said to be akin to losing a part of your own being.
When we find out Dennis knew Rocky before he died, things suddenly go off in a different direction as loneliness becomes the greatest obstacle for the grieving twins to overcome.
Lauren Graham play’s Roman’s bereaved mom Lisa. Tasha Smith plays Charlotte, the head of the support group. And George (Chris Perfetti), seen in flashback, plays Rocky’s lover.
The film works strangely well, leaving us with a feeling of sadness over the difficulties faced in making a connection with someone else.
It played at the Sundance Film Festival.
REVIEWED ON 12/28/2025 GRADE: B
dennisschwartzreviews.com