While not quite “Stolen Valor,” this feels like something similar. Similar, but … acceptable? Maybe. Maybe not. Stolen Valor is, of course, a loathsome crime. It is taking credit for a bravery-inspired horror you never experienced. Kinda feels like Trump’s credo. ‘Nuff said.
Twinless gives us a different kind of horror. It is not bravery-inspired, and the level of horror, while existent, falls fairly short of war. Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Rocky (Dylan O’Brien) were twins. Young-ish twins. Rocky died in a traffic accident. Now Roman attends a support group for Twinless twins. Dennis (writer/director/co-star James Sweeney) is kind of hapless. It seems his lot. At one point in the film, we realize a potential video match has chosen a “goat f***er” to Dennis. OUCH!
Once upon a time, Dennis had a HOT one-night stand with Rocky. Then Rocky ghosted him. *sigh* All too common in both gay and straight worlds, huh? Days later, Dennis tracks down Rocky and in insisting on Rocky’s attention, makes Rocky miss the car barreling into him.
Dennis shows up at the funeral, meets Roman, and follows him to the support group posing as a man who has also lost a twin. No, not quite Stolen Valor, but nothing we applaud or recommend. Even though Roman is straight, Dennis treats him as obtainable. The two have an undeniable chemistry which would be great if their attraction was mutual. Alas, it is not. Dennis seems to be setting himself up for several big hurts. Why? Because being smitten is more fun than being depressed.
The film is sad a sweet as it marches along towards the inevitable pain that will come with the truth. Dennis is a quality liar, sure, but lies have a shelf life, and -sooner or later- he is going to get a challenge from Roman’s new girlfriend, Marcie (Aisling Franciosi).
I found Twinless likable but frustrating. I have the same problem I have with Eleanor the Great – you’re making me root for a liar. Why do I feel more for Dennis? Eleanor is 94 and came by her group accidentally. Dennis actively sought the group he doesn’t belong to. Eleanor lost a partner of sorts. Dennis lost a reluctant lover. By all rights, the Eleanor is the more
sympathetic one. And yet, Eleanor stole valor. She went with the lies because she liked feeling important in the group. Dennis only wanted to get closer to Roman out of frustration for failure to get close to Rocky. Does that make it better? In my mind, a little. Twinless also feels more like a confessional than pity porn. Do we feel for Dennis? Sure, but we know he’s going to feel pain and it will be his own fault. Do we feel for Eleanor? Yes, but why make a 94-year-old who has just lost a best friend feel more pain? That doesn’t make sense.
Ok, James Sweeney, buddy, you’ve made a film about you. We liked it. Feel happy; that isn’t always the case. And you seem to have enough range to make at least a mild attempt at an acting career. So what happens when your next film is not about you? Are you going to play the gay best friend (geez, what a cliché)? How about a ______ who just happens to be gay? Or maybe something completely out of your comfort zone. This film encompassed so much of your longing and personality that it seems impossible you left anything on the table. I could be wrong and I’d like to see what you have next.
There once was a (non) identical twin
Who lost track of where his brother had been
Among a group of peers
He exposed his fears
And drew closer a poser wanting in
Rated R,100 Minutes
Director: James Sweeney
Writer: James Sweeney
Genre: The cry of the damned
Type of being most likely to enjoy this film: LGBTQ+
Type of being least likely to enjoy this film: Victims of catfishing
