BFI London Film Festival Review: Twinless

Twinless ; James Sweeny’s touching queer comedy explores love, loss and the fear of being alone

There is something so fresh in James Sweeney’s film even though it follows known tropes. When you watch films, you are often lucky and something comes up that leaves you completely surprised. How did the creative team (director, writer, etc) come up with such a wild idea for a story? While yes there are typical story structures that remain the same, but it becomes the principal idea that remains special. In Twinless, writer-director James Sweeney does just this. He brings an original and comedic idea to life, a support group for siblings who have lost their twins.

Starring Dylan O’Brian, writer-director James Sweeney himself, Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi and more, Twinless is an enjoyable comedic piece of cinema. The viewer is not forced to overthink, they are simply able to enjoy themselves and connect with the characters. With the release of Twinless, it is clear that Sweeney can craft a film. After winning two awards at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Sweeney’s Twinless has captured the attention of independent film audiences everywhere.

Roman (O’Brian) and his identical twin Rocky were only similar in their appearance, as for their demeanour, they could not have been less alike. After Rocky dies, Roman joins a support group for bereaved twins. At first, he feels a bit uncomfortable, but after he meets Dennis (Sweeney) he finds comfort in the group and especially with his new found friend. The two become close quite quickly and almost inseparable. As the duo do daily tasks together and become unstoppable, it becomes clear that Dennis is hiding something from Roman. While Roman develops new relationships and begins to heal from the loss of his brother, Dennis slips deeper into this lie.

There is a careful precision in the way Sweeney introduces the audience into this world he has created. The opening of his film grabs the viewers attention and does not let it fade, it brings us into the drama from the get go. As soon as the film starts we know there has been a death and from that moment on, it becomes the drive of the story. Though Rocky and Roman were not that close later in life, Roman still misses his brother and needs someone to help cope with the loss. Luckily for him, Denis is able to provide him with just what he needs. To speed along the process of the friendship that forms between them the cuts in the film feel abrupt but necessary. The filmmaking choices fit within the story and allow the audience to follow along easily without too much nonsense thrown into the mix.

“We’re born alone, we live alone, and we die alone, but for twins that isn’t true.”

Ultimately, no matter the wrong done by any character in the film, it becomes a story about not wanting to be alone. A film about love and friendship. When a film relies on relationships to move the story forward it is ultimately up to the actors and their chemistry with each other whether or not it will succeed. While Sweeney himself provides a deep emotional journey in Denis, O’Brian succeeds exceptionally at playing the two versions of identical twins. Roman is the one who needs the comfort of a friend, but as the film progresses we learn more about Denis’ secret. To begin as a trusting and shy queer man, Sweeney’s portrayal of his creation Denis goes from a kind guy to the brink of insanity as jealousy ensues. O’Brian on the other hand blows the audience away as he changes from shy and less-smart Roman to outgoing and queer Rocky. His ability to portray such a difference in the twins is shocking and genuine. Combine Sweeney and O’Brian’s talents together and the connection made between the characters becomes all the more real for the viewer. Awkward moments occur that may feel off, but then you remember what it is like to date or get to know new people and you begin to understand that everything in Twinless has been done for a reason.

Though not every one can relate to losing a loved one – as close to you as a twin – we can however relate to the want for friendship and love. Sweeney wants to make his film understanding and relatable, and he does just that. There are moments when he uses different different filmmaking techniques and tropes – such as a split screen or flashbacks – that feel surprising and original. Everything he chooses to implement shows the audience that he wants them to know what is happening as well as relate to the characters. While things do feel awkward at times, there is a human element to it. We know things like this might not happen in real life, but that does not matter because it is the idea that they could that is conveyed throughout Twinless.

James Sweeney’s latest film has something for everyone in a remarkable way. With the success of its world premiere at Sundance at the beginning of the year, who knows where it will go next. Twinless is a comedy, yes, but it provides so much more for the audience to connect and relate to. Be sure to keep an eye out for the official release of the film and support independent queer cinema.

Watch the trailer for Twinless below

[Review by Hailey Passmore]