Twinless, starring Dylan O’Brien, has emerged as a noteworthy topic at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film was recently pulled from online streaming due to issues relating to leaks and copyright infringement, yet those fortunate enough to witness it in person experienced a gripping narrative that expertly interweaves themes of love and rejection. Garnering the Audience Award in the US Dramatic category, the film’s impact was further solidified as O’Brien earned a Special Jury Award for his compelling performance.
When one first approaches Twinless, they might anticipate a whimsical dark comedy, but a shocking twist surfaces that undeniably aligns with horror storytelling elements. Dylan O’Brien takes on the challenging dual role of twins Rocky and Roman. Tragically, the film begins with Rocky’s death due to a car accident, forcing Roman to confront his grief and navigate the strained family dynamics that ensue. The brothers, who once shared a profound bond, allowed their relationship to fray over time. Roman dealt with his own internal conflicts when he lashed out against Rocky’s homosexuality, fueling a family upheaval that involved his mother, Lisa, who struggled to cope with her son’s death.
Roman’s journey leads him to grief therapy, where he forms a bond with Dennis, portrayed by director James Sweeney, who claims to have lost his own brother. This connection fills a void for both characters, creating a friendship that appears comforting at first glance. However, as their relationship develops, Dennis’s attachment turns obsessive, spiraling into jealousy when he notices Roman getting close to a coworker, Marcie. The narrative deepens with the revelation that Dennis is not a twin; instead, he had a brief, tumultuous encounter with Rocky, which left him feeling scorned and unhinged. This pivotal revelation sets the stage for a chain of manipulative events that exemplify the dangers of unresolved grief and desperation.
The film skillfully navigates the emotional scars left by relationships, but it also teeters on the edge of unsettling territory. As Dennis’s behavior toward Roman becomes increasingly manipulative, the film grapples with themes of obsession and betrayal, leading to a physical confrontation that serves as a twisting point. The transition into a more sinister tone creates a unique viewing experience, as the initial blend of comedy and drama slides into a darker narrative. Observers may find this jarring, yet it undeniably contributes to the film’s raw intensity.
As film reviews pour in, Twinless maintains a high Rotten Tomatoes score alongside commendable ratings on IMDb and Metacritic, reflecting its positive reception despite the polarizing twist. Critics have noted O’Brien’s multifaceted performance, highlighting his capacity to embody both characters with depth and authenticity. With the film’s strong emotional resonance, viewers are left pondering the complexities that arise from love, loss, and the inherent darkness residing in human relationships.
Director James Sweeney made a conscious choice to avoid falling into harmful stereotypes, particularly concerning the tropes surrounding rejected queer individuals. Instead, Sweeney infused the narrative with personal insights that illuminate Dennis’s struggles with loneliness and guilt—an approach that complicates the character’s motivations while simultaneously evoking a modicum of sympathy from the audience. However, the tension grows as the movie progresses, culminating in a moment of violence that ultimately forces Roman back into a confrontational reality.
The climax, marked by the shocking reveal of Dennis’ past and subsequent violent confrontation, forces viewers to grapple with the consequences of betrayal and the profound weight of unprocessed grief. O’Brien’s character faces a soul-wrenching choice between forgiveness and the burden of past trauma, highlighting the struggles that many people face when trying to reconcile conflicting feelings of loyalty and anger. The film’s ambiguous ending does little to provide closure, leaving the audience in a state of contemplation and uncertainty about what decisions Roman ultimately makes.
In the aftermath of the tumultuous events, Roman’s relationship with Dennis takes a complex turn. The opportunity for reconciliation appears when Dennis offers Roman a book that holds significant sentimental value, representing the twins’ inseparable bond. As the narrative concludes, viewers are left to ponder whether Roman will extend forgiveness or choose to sever ties with his complicated past. The scene works brilliantly to encapsulate the film’s overall message: the challenge of navigating personal darkness while yearning for connection.
In summary, Twinless has captured the attention of audiences at Sundance 2025 not only for its engaging plot and O’Brien’s performance but also for its unique exploration of grief, obsession, and the complexities of human relationships. With its unsettling twists that challenge genre norms, Dylan O’Brien’s Twinless stands out as a poignant reflection on the darker corners of love and loss, provoking thought well beyond the final credits. As viewers anticipate its release, the critical conversations surrounding its themes are likely to continue, marking Twinless as a definitive entry in the modern cinematic landscape.
