Release date - February 6, 2026

Cert - 15, Run-time - 1 hour 40 minutes

Director - James Sweeney

Roman (Dylan O'Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney) meet at a bereavement group for those who have lost a twin, a friendship forms helping them cope, but there may be more behind it than it seems.

The opening credits of Twinless arrive 20 minutes in and signify the arrival of an unexpected rug-pull. The first of a number of tonal shifts in writer-director James Sweeney's grief-tinted dramedy. Before this we've spent time with Roman (Dylan O'Brien) and Dennis (Sweeney) as a friendship forms after meeting at a support group for bereaved twins. Their bond is tender and quietly helps both cope with their respective losses.

However, it becomes clear that there may be more to the friendship's context than it at first seems. Although not romantically - Dennis is gay while Roman is straight, although his brother Rocky (also O'Brien) was gay. The context comes largely from Dennis whose perspective reminded me at times of 2017's unsettling modern-day thriller Ingrid Goes West, although not quite with the same sinister edges.

His telling of his painful grief, and how he likes it as a reminder that his brother is still in some way there, contrasts with Roman sitting at home alone emotionlessly being lit up by his TV screen playing The Sims - watching a figure called Rocky die in a kitchen fire in one of the film's best moments of dark humour. Much like the shifts into twists and surprises the tonal changes throughout Twinless are seamlessly handled with consistent pacing and style so as all to feel of the same piece.

I went into Twinless knowing nothing about what was in store, and that's the best way to watch the film. It takes you on its narrative ride and the changing shape of the central characters' friendship with early engagement thanks to the humour on display. The performances are packed with subtleties, including a strong and very likable turn from Aisling Franciosi as Dennis' colleague Marcie who forms a relationship with Roman, which effectively get across the emotional developments amongst the comedic beats.

There's a belief in the project from all involved which elevates it and adds to the tenderness that's still present even after more ominous actions have taken, or in some cases are taking, place. Sweeney has a strong grasp on the various tones at play and keeps them consistent in the film's style so as to all feel like one piece. One that keeps the characters in mind, with much of what we see revealed to be about inheld feelings and responses which unravel into a growing sense of unease around Dennis and Roman's friendship, the opposite of the peaceful, healing bond formed in the opening 20 minutes.

Tenderness and humour help to keep things balanced amongst the surprising twists and reveals which start to make up the narrative. One which passes by quickly and keeps the characters in focus throughout to make for an engaging and consistently moving film fuelled by the subtleties of its well-tuned, layered performances.

Four stars