‘Twinless’ is my favourite film from the 2025 BFI London Film Festival so far. As I’m typing this I’m wondering if that will change by the end of the festival or if I’ll still feel the same way. Knowing myself, I’ll probably have several favourites that I can’t decide between but we’ll have to wait and see. 

I have to be honest I didn’t know much about ‘Twinless’ before I decided I have to see it. All I knew is that Dylan O’Brien is in it and honestly can you blame me? But what caught me off guard is how deeply the film gripped me from the very first minutes and held me until the end. I honestly wish it had been longer.

‘Twinless’ follows Roman (Dylan O’Brien) who has recently lost his identical twin brother Rocky (also Dylan O’Brien). As Roman navigates his grief he joins a support group for bereaved twins where he meets Dennis (James Sweeney) who seems to be the opposite of Roman. The friendship between Roman and Dennis forms quickly but it’s clear that Dennis is hiding something. 

I went in expecting to cry and yes there are plenty of moments that hit hard but ‘Twinless’ surprised me with how funny it is too. It’s dark, witty and deeply human in a way that feels so raw and real. Within seconds I found myself laughing, tearing up and gasping (sometimes all at once). It’s a film that plays with your emotions in such a smart way that you don’t even realise how much it’s pulling you in. 

I have to say the humour stands out because it’s the kind that makes you think “I probably shouldn’t be laughing at this” but you do it anyway.  It can at times feel uncomfortable but it also feels real to how people actually deal with grief. Those absurd moments are the human moments in the middle of pain when nothing feels normal anymore.

Do I even have to say that the cast is incredible? Dylan O’Brien, James Sweeney, Aisling Franciosi and the one and only Lauren Graham (who I wish we saw more of on screen). Dylan who plays both Roman and Rocky (yes we all wish he had a twin) does an incredible job making each brother feel distinct and unique. His performance as Roman makes you want to give Roman a hug while his portrayal of Rocky makes you wish you could have spent more time with him. If anyone ever doubted Dylan’s range ‘Twinless’ proves once again that Dylan pours everything into his roles.

James Sweeney deserves just as much praise if not more. I would love to ask how he manages to write, direct and act because what he’s done is simple incredible. He plays Dennis with such vulnerability that even though you know what he is doing is wrong you can’t help but empathise with him and understand him. It feels that there’s loneliness and guilt in every word and glance. James added so many layers to his characters and story that you can’t but be amazed by it.

Aisling Franciosi character Marcie feels like the film’s emotional anchor as she is calm, empathetic, smart and there for Roman and Dennis in all the chaos. And Lauren Graham although not on screen nearly enough brings such warmth and maternal vulnerability that every moments she appears on screen you feel her emotions. 

I honestly feel like I could write so much more about ‘Twinless’ because it’s one of those films where everything feels intentional and nothing is accidental. It’s dark, hilarious, heartbreaking and somehow comforting as it lingers long after the credits roll from the real and vulnerable grief Roman and Dennis are feeling to the absolute insanity of the jokes and expressions. I honestly laughed when I shouldn’t have, teared up when I least expected it to and left the cinema feeling emotionally drained but in the best way.

I couldn’t recommend watching ‘Twinless’ enough! It will twist so many emotions out of you that I honestly lost count of the many times I gasped, laughed and teared up. If you can watch it in a cinema when it comes out next year do it because hearing the audience react makes it feel like a shared emotional experience. 

‘Twinless’ reminded me that laughter, heartbreak, pain and grief can coexist and that everyone’s journey looks different.