Dylan O’Brien Mourns Twin In James Sweeney Comedy

James Sweeney, writer, director, and actor, navigates loneliness and anxiety through a heartfelt and comedic arc. There are also a few “WTF?” moments.
Dylan O’Brien stars as Roman, who is a young boy grieving for the death of his twin brother Rocky. Dennis (Sweeney) is also grieving his loss and he meets him at a twin-bereavement group. The two men, who are both missing their other halves, form a bond as they heal from their traumas. But a strange secret threatens to destroy their bromance.

O’Brien & Sweeney are a hilarious pair. The former alternates between Roman, the insecure, naive character, and his muscular, mustachioed twin Rocky. Rocky is a hunky, muscled man who has too many encounters with “mean homosexuals”. They all seem to be misunderstood.

Roman, a singleton trying to navigate life in Rocky’s apartment, has run-ins and encounters with former friends of his twin. Strangers start crying around him. It’s an odd experience.
Dennis, a messy homosexual, is a character that the LGBTQ community may find endearing (or not), while his new friend offers them a friendship without judgment. They both need it. He uses a “yes and” approach to work through his complex emotions, even in the most unfathomable situations. This results in many lies and lots of laughter.
The quick jokes are a welcome respite from the goofy and awkward facades that both characters wear throughout the movie.

Roman is struggling with his estranged relationship with Rocky because of his sexuality. Dennis, on the other hand, feels guilty about the last words that he said to Dennis’ other half, “Fuck You!” They help each other come to terms with these losses and feel understood in a way that no other twin could.
Sweeney is a multihyphenate who has a talent for bringing together the nuanced emotions that come with being rejected, losing someone you love, and feeling as if your other half doesn’t even exist. Their motives to seek companionship are different, and one has less-than honest intentions. Will their friendship survive (and be slightly unhinged?)?

Producers are David Permut and James Sweeney.

Title:

Twinless

Section:

Dramatic

Distributor: Republic Pictures
Director: James Sweeney
Screenwriter: James Sweeney
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, James Sweeney, Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi, Tasha Smith and Chris Perfetti
Running time: 100 min