The 2025 Sundance Film Festival began on a high note with the premiere of Twinless, James Sweeney’s sophomore feature, at the Eccles Theatre. A genre-defying mix of humor, grief, and romance, the film stars Sweeney alongside Dylan O’Brien in a narrative that is both deeply personal and darkly comedic. Produced by David Permut (Polka King), Twinlessimmediately established itself as a standout of the festival’s opening lineup, drawing laughter, tears, and a standing ovation from the audience. Republic Pictures, the studio behind the project, now finds itself at the center of what promises to be a competitive bidding war.

Twinless, delighted and moved audiences in equal measure. The film, starring Sweeney and Dylan O’Brien, blends emotional depth with a sharp comedic edge, earning raves from festivalgoers. Produced by David Permut (Polka King), Twinless is now poised to spark a bidding war, with Republic Pictures backing the project. Twinless tells the story of Dennis (James Sweeney), a man mourning the sudden loss of his boyfriend Rocky (Dylan O’Brien). Grief takes an unexpected turn when Dennis meets Roman (also played by O’Brien), Rocky’s twin brother, in a twin-loss bereavement group. What begins as a connection forged through shared sorrow soon grows into an unconventional bromance, as Dennis and Roman navigate their intertwined grief and budding friendship.

Sweeney, who wrote, directed, and stars in the film, described it as “a bit of De Palma mixed with a grief drama.” The project marks his Sundance debut and builds on the witty, boundary-pushing style he introduced in his first feature, Straight Up.

Sweeney revealed that Twinless was over a decade in the making. “I started writing this script ten years ago,” he shared during the post-screening Q&A. The film’s journey to the screen required both patience and perseverance, with Sweeney rewriting and refining the script over the years.

The opportunity to collaborate with Dylan O’Brien proved to be a pivotal moment for the film. Sweeney, a longtime admirer of O’Brien’s work, first reached out to the actor in 2020. “I saw all of the Maze Runner movies in theaters,” Sweeney joked, before noting that it was O’Brien’s performance in the YouTube series Weird City that cemented him as the ideal choice for the dual roles of Rocky and Roman.

O’Brien’s portrayal of the twin brothers is a masterclass in nuance. He effortlessly differentiates the two characters, giving each their own identity while capturing the deep emotional scars they share. His performance not only grounds the film but also showcases his versatility as an actor.

“I opened this script, and I couldn’t stop,” O’Brien said during the Q&A. He praised Sweeney’s direction and writing, calling him “every element of a meticulous filmmaker.” O’Brien’s commitment to the project is evident in every frame, and his chemistry with Sweeney elevates the film’s exploration of grief, love, and healing.

While O’Brien and Sweeney anchor the film, Twinless benefits from a talented supporting cast, including Aisling Franciosi and Lauren Graham. Franciosi delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and empathy to a key role that complements the main storyline. Graham adds a touch of warmth and humor, further enriching the film’s emotional landscape.

Twinless is the kind of film that thrives at Sundance: intimate, thought-provoking, and deeply human. Its blend of sharp humor and raw emotion resonated with the opening-night audience, earning laughter, applause, and even a few tears.

Sweeney’s ability to tackle heavy themes with a light touch makes Twinless a standout in this year’s lineup. The film’s unique approach to grief—examining it through the lens of a twin-loss support group—offers a fresh perspective on loss and the connections that can emerge from shared pain.

Dylan O’Brien’s dual portrayal of Rocky and Roman showcases a rare blend of emotional vulnerability and comedic precision. O’Brien’s ability to differentiate the two characters while maintaining the audience’s empathy is nothing short of remarkable. “I opened this script, and I couldn’t stop,” O’Brien said, describing the profound impact of Sweeney’s writing. He praised the director’s meticulous approach, calling him “every element of a meticulous filmmaker.”

Sweeney, in turn, commended O’Brien’s dedication to the roles. “I felt like he saw my voice and he felt so confident in it,” Sweeney said. He also highlighted O’Brien’s range, noting that the actor’s previous work in Maze Runner and Weird City hinted at his ability to balance humor and pathos. “I’ve always been impressed with his range, and I knew this would be a different role for him,” Sweeney added.

While O’Brien and Sweeney lead the film, Twinless boasts a strong ensemble cast, including Aisling Franciosi, Lauren Graham, and Rupert Friend. Each actor contributes to the film’s rich emotional tapestry. Franciosi, in particular, shines in a pivotal supporting role, adding depth to the narrative’s exploration of grief and healing.

The premiere wasn’t without its hiccups. During the screening, the sound cut out briefly on several occasions, prompting murmurs of concern. However, the film’s emotional power and captivating performances quickly recaptured the audience’s attention, ensuring a triumphant debut.

With its heartfelt storytelling and standout performances, Twinless is poised to become a festival favorite and a hot commodity for distributors. The film underscores James Sweeney’s growth as a filmmaker, cementing his place as one of Sundance’s breakout talents.

For Dylan O’Brien, the dual roles of Rocky and Roman further demonstrate his range and solidify his status as a leading man in both indie and mainstream cinema. As the festival continues, Twinless is sure to generate buzz—and for good reason. It’s a rare gem that balances humor and heartbreak with precision, offering audiences a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

One of Twinless’s greatest strengths is its ability to find humor in dark moments without trivializing its subject matter. Sweeney’s script uses humor as a way to explore the complexities of grief, illustrating how laughter can coexist with pain. This tonal balance keeps the audience engaged, allowing for moments of levity amid the emotional intensity. The film’s visual style further enhances this dynamic. Bright, pastel-colored aesthetics and serene lakeside settings contrast sharply with the raw emotional undercurrents, creating a visually arresting juxtaposition that mirrors the story’s thematic duality.

Despite the film’s success, the premiere was not without its challenges. Technical issues at the Eccles Theatre briefly disrupted the screening, with the sound dropping intermittently. While these hiccups could have derailed a less engaging film, Twinless kept the audience captivated, a testament to the strength of its storytelling and performances.

As Twinless continues to garner attention at Sundance, its unique blend of humor, heart, and innovation positions it as one of the festival’s standout entries. The film’s exploration of loss, identity, and connection feels both timely and timeless, making it a must-watch for audiences and distributors alike.

With its sharp writing, dynamic performances, and emotional depth, Twinless is more than just a festival favorite—it’s a cinematic triumph that redefines what a romantic comedy can achieve.