James Sweeney’s ‘Twinless’ cleverly shifts between queer rom-com, affecting drama, Hitchcockian thriller

There’s a delightful alchemy to “Twinless,” the sophomore film from writer/director/co-star James Sweeney (“Straight Up”). Billed as a dark comedy about two strangers who trauma bond over the deaths of each of their twin brothers, it often sidesteps its morose premise — hilariously and diabolically so. It’s an unsparing examination of loneliness and grief, thanks to a devastating knockout dual performance by co-star Dylan O’Brien. It’s also one of the funniest movies of the year, unabashed in its morbid humor and scathing dialogue. 

It’s chameleonlike, cleverly shifting between queer rom-com, affecting drama and Hitchcockian thriller. And once you begin to realize that things aren’t what they seem, it always leaves you wondering just what’s coming next. 

“Twinless” opens with a car crash, one that leaves shy, insecure, straight Roman (O’Brien) suddenly without his gregarious, educated, gay twin, Rocky (also played by O’Brien in flashback scenes). One bitter argument with his mom (Lauren Graham) later, the stoic-faced man soon finds himself at a bereavement group for twinless twins. As the members process their losses, Roman locks eyes with a man across from him: Dennis (an excellently deadpan Sweeney), who’s witty and outgoing and gay. How serendipitous.

Read the full review at The Seattle Times.

Four “I really shouldn’t be laughing so hard” stars out of five, and a critic’s pick.

Photo caption: Roman (Dylan O’Brien, left) and Dennis (James Sweeney) in “Twinless.” (Courtesy of Roadside Attractions)