Sundance review: "Twinless" is a dark comedy about twins and death, topped by an outrageous performance by writer-director James Sweeney

How much enjoyment a viewer gets from “Twinless” is dependent on how much you can tolerate the character of Dennis — played by the film’s writer-director, James Sweeney, as what can best be described as a “Napoleon Dynamite” vibe, if Napoleon were gay and a bit psycho.

Sweeney’s character, Dennis, doesn’t open the movie. That place is held by Roman (Dylan O’Brien), a guy from Idaho who acknowledges that he’s “not the brightest tool in the shed.” We first see Roman at a funeral for his gay twin brother, Rocky (played by O’Brien in flashbacks), who died in an auto-pedestrian accident in Portland.

After the funeral, Roman and his scowling mom (Lauren Graham), are trying to go through Rocky’s things in his Portland, Ore., apartment. Roman decides he’s going to stay in Portland awhile, get a job, and try to figure out life without his twin. Roman even joins a support group for people who have lost their twin — which is where he meets Sweeney’s Dennis, who tells the group about his twin, Dean.

That all happens n the first 15 minutes, before the film’s title appears on the screen. This is where Sweeney starts telling Dennis’ side of the story — about which I will try to say little, to keep from spoiling the twists of this sometimes bizarre comedy.

I will say that Roman and Dennis become friends through the support group, and start hanging out together — which is how Roman meets Dennis’ co-worker Marcie (Aisling Franciosi). A romance blooms, which is good news for Roman and Marcie but bad news for Dennis, who fears it will infringe on his friendship.

Sweeney creates a singular character whose insecurities and his talent for turning small problems into big ones will make you laugh and cringe, often at the same time. Ccrazy as some of the turns Sweeney navigates are, O’Brien doesn’t just hang on for the ride — but adds an underlying menace when Roman demonstrates his hot temper. 

“Twinless” may leave a few audience members out in the cold. For those with an appetite for a comedy that takes a few risks, “Twinless” is a challenge worth exploring..

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‘Twinless’

★★★

Screening in the U.S. Dramatic competition of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Screens again: Friday, January 24, 7 p.m., The Ray, Park City (replacing the canceled “BLKNWS: Terms and Conditions”: screening); Friday, January 24, 11:15 p.m., Library, Park City; Saturday, January 25, Redstone 1, Park City; Thursday, January 30, 7:30 p.m., Redstone 1, Park City; Saturday, February 1, 2:30 p.m., Rose Wagner, Salt Lake City. Online screenings Thursday, January 30, 8 a.m. to Sunday, February 2, 11:55 p.m. (All times Mountain time zone.) Not rated, but probably R for strong sexuality, violence and language. Running time: 100 minutes.