Twinless

“Twinless” – A Darkly Inventive and Unexpectedly Twisted Drama

Twinless (2025) is a bold and genre-defying American film written, directed, and co-starring James Sweeney. The story follows Roman, portrayed by Dylan O’Brien, who is grappling with the devastating loss of his identical twin, Rocky. Roman finds himself adrift, stepping into a twin bereavement support group where he meets Dennis, played by Sweeney himself. Despite their contrasting personalities — Roman is the brooding, physical type, while Dennis is more cultured and openly gay — they form an intense and emotionally complex bond.

The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, where it received widespread critical acclaim. It won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award, and Dylan O’Brien earned the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting for his powerful dual portrayal of both Roman and Rocky.

Shot on location in Portland, Oregon, Twinless features a rich ensemble cast including Aisling Franciosi, Lauren Graham as the twins’ mother, Tasha Smith, Chris Perfetti, François Arnaud, Susan Park, and Cree Cicchino. The film is produced by David Permut alongside James Sweeney, with U.S. distribution handled by Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate, and international release overseen by Sony Pictures.

At first glance, Twinless appears to be a quirky, indie-style dramedy — one of those sweet, offbeat Sundance offerings. Yet, in an ingenious trick of structure, the film gradually reveals darker, more psychologically unsettling layers. The tone shifts in disorienting ways, blending dark comedy with moments reminiscent of a Hitchcock thriller, all while rooted in raw grief and human longing.

Dylan O’Brien's range is nothing short of stunning. His portrayal of Roman is quiet, wounded, and deeply internalized, while Rocky is vivacious, flamboyant, and emotionally electric. Both roles anchor the film in authenticity and emotional resonance. In interviews, O’Brien described the production as intensely intimate and emotionally raw, noting that the film includes a graphic sex scene handled with nuance and maturity. He called his portrayal “the most naked thing I’ve ever had to do,” underscoring the film’s frank and uncompromising approach to queer intimacy.

Critics praised Twinless as a “dark, inventive comedy” that thrives even in its boundary-pushing moments, never losing sight of the sorrow at its heart. James Sweeney’s direction balances uncomfortable tension with strong visual framing and deliberate pacing, guiding the viewer through both emotional vulnerability and unexpected narrative twists.

Beyond Sundance, the film continued its festival circuit with screenings at the Chicago Critics Film Festival, Tribeca, Frameline, and others, where it further cemented its unconventional charm and emotional complexity.

Twinless is slated for a theatrical release in the United States on September 5, 2025. With its mixture of unsettling surprises, deeply human performances, and fearless exploration of grief, identity, and intimacy, the film is poised to challenge and captivate audiences. It stands as both a testament to James Sweeney’s bold creative vision and a career-defining performance for Dylan O’Brien.