“Twinless”: A Haunting Exploration of Grief, Identity, and Connection

Twinless is a groundbreaking and deeply affecting film that grips you from its opening moments and refuses to let go. Anchored by raw, emotionally charged performances from Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney, delivers an intense, character-driven story that lingers with viewers long after the credits roll.

The film follows two young men, Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney), who meet in a support group for twins who have lost their siblings. Both are desperate for connection, identity, and healing as they navigate life without their other halves. Their unlikely friendship quickly deepens beyond the group, and they become inseparable. But when Roman meets Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), Dennis’ lively co-worker, the truth behind their bond begins to unravel as Dennis’ secrets come to light.

Courtesy of Lionsgate

One of Twinless’ most impressive choices is its early reveal of a twist rather than saving it for the end. This bold narrative decision reshapes how the audience experiences the story, adding layers of tension and emotional complexity. Instead of relying on a final shock, the film allows viewers to sit with the truth and its consequences, constantly re-evaluating what they think they know as the story unfolds.

The writing and direction, by James Sweeney, elevate the film even further. His script is sharp and deliberate, blending dark humor with emotional intensity in a way that feels seamless rather than jarring.

In one scene we see the use of split-screen techniques which not only serve as a stylistic choice but also deepen the emotional weight of each moment. The cinematography, subtle yet purposeful, enhances the tone and reinforces the characters’ inner turmoil without overshadowing the performances.

Dylan O’Brien’s performance has been widely celebrated by fans and critics. At the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, he earned the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting, and he is set to receive the Vanguard Award from Miami Film Festival GEMS in November. As Roman, a man shattered by grief, burdened by anger, and struggling with a fractured relationship with his mother, O’Brien delivers what many are calling a career-best performance. His journey toward healing through his friendship with Dennis and, eventually, love with Marcie, is both powerful and heartbreaking.

O’Brien also portrays Roman’s deceased twin brother, Rocky, in key flashback scenes. The contrast between his performances as Roman and Rocky highlights his impressive range and ability to embody two distinct personalities with nuance and depth.

James Sweeney shines in his layered portrayal of Dennis, a character who is both empathetic and quietly manipulative. His performance aligns perfectly with his vision as a writer and director, grounding the film in a complex blend of vulnerability and unpredictability.

Beneath its thriller elements, Twinless is rich with thematic depth. It weaves psychological tension with dark comedy to explore grief, loneliness, codependency, and the uniquely disorienting experience of losing a twin. The film doesn’t portray loss in a singular way; instead, it examines how identity can fracture when someone’s mirror image is gone, and how connection, healthy or otherwise, can become a lifeline. In addition to its exploration of grief, loneliness, and identity, the story also touches on LGBTQ+ themes with sensitivity and nuance, adding another layer to the characters’ emotional journeys.

Courtesy of Lionsgate

The suspenseful structure keeps the emotional stakes high, with twists and revelations unfolding organically rather than relying on shock value. As the truth about Dennis and his connection to Roman slowly surfaces, the tension builds in a way that feels both unsettling and deeply human.

Emotionally rich, suspenseful, and beautifully crafted, Twinless is a standout film that balances heartache, dark humor, and psychological intrigue with masterful precision.

Twinless is the kind of film that stays with its audience. It doesn’t just entertain, it provokes reflection and conversation, inviting viewers to sit with its characters and themes long after it ends. More than a film, it’s an experience shaped by emotion, character, and powerful storytelling.

Twinless is now available to stream on VOD/Digital, Apple, Amazon and Fandango.