Twinless Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.0

Twinless Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman May 17, 2026

Note: It's virtually impossible to coherently discuss Twinless without at least alluding to one major plot point, which is probably officially not a "spoiler" considering easily available online information about the story, but one way or the other, those concerned about such issues are forewarned.

Writer, director and co-star James Sweeney is doing his bit in the continuing campaign to Keep Portland Weird, as ubiquitous signage around the burg where I've spent the bulk of my adult life keeps reminding residents (and visitors). Twinless is set in the Rose City, though its setting is probably not that germane to the story, although that said, Portland's prevalence of "alternative lifestyles" at least plays tangentially into this charming if dark tale of a gay man named Dennis (James Sweeney) who becomes arguably a bit obsessed with a guy named Rocky (Dylan O'Brien) after a one night stand. That obsession leads to semi-comedic disaster which then propels the plot, as Dennis joins a "twinless twin" support group for survivors who have lost their siblings, in order to meet Rocky's twin brother Roman (also Dylan O'Brien). Suffice it to say Dennis is of course not a "twinless twin", and his subterfuge ultimately unsurprisingly spills out to inform some of the interpersonal dynamics on tap.

The above description provides a more or less "chronological" accounting of events which the film itself does not follow, and in fact the first act (which pretty much plays out before the opening credits which are a fair way in) involves a series of "introductions" where the viewer isn't quite sure what's going on, other than that Roman and Dennis are in the same support group and Dennis seems to have an arguably unhealthy interest in Roman. That bit of structural artifice allows the "back story" to be doled out more in the second act, something that adds important context and some unexpected emotional heft to the proceedings. With the introduction of "third wheel" Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), things get into a somewhat askew ménage à trois formulation, with Dennis struggling to maintain his subterfuge and Roman having to confront various reactions to both his relationship with Rocky, but also with Dennis and Marcie. Lauren Graham is also on hand as Roman's (and Rocky's) mother, trying to navigate her own grief while also attempting to manage Roman's.

Note: My colleague Brian Orndorf may have been even more positively disposed toward this film than I am. You can read Brian's thoughts here.

Twinless Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Twinless is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Lionsgate Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. Perhaps surprisingly, this smaller budgeted production was partially shot on film and partially digitally captured, as is discussed in this interview with James Sweeney. Perhaps then just a little unexpectedly, this transfer offers an appealingly organic appearance that is surprisingly homogenous, though I'll refer those interested to some of Sweeney's comments in that interview about how to spot at least some of the differences in the film and digital sequences. Sweeney's stated strategy in switching between the two techniques may strike other film fans as it did yours truly, namely that it's smart and salient in terms of subliminally delivering "content" that viewers may not even be aware of. Sweeney frankly doesn't overly exploit the Portland locations, but some of the outdoor work at least hints at the fact that contrary to well publicized reportage, our fair city is not a hellhole or burning wasteland (though of course it has its problems, like any major urban center). One rather cool sequence I would bet was shot at inner Southeast emporium Hopscotch, which has some fun lightshow anterooms which respond to movement and a multicolored ball pit (my wife and I saw an absolutely fantastic performance of Steve Reich's music there where individual musicians were in the various "playrooms"). Detail levels are routinely excellent throughout, ebbing only slightly in some very dark moments, as in a purple drenched scene in bed between Dennis and a partner (whose identity won't be spoiled here).

Twinless Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Twinless features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that offers the most noticeable surround activity in some of the interstitial material around the city and some occasional source cues, though some curmudgeons (ahem) may wonder why did Sweeney not use any of the absolutely incredible musical talent available in Portland. While probably not stylistically "in tune" with this film's emotional undercurrent, I'd personally have argued for potentially including wonderful pianist Randy Porter, who frankly could be a body double for Sweeney himself. That said, while often subtle, the side and rear channels are engaged for good placement of ambient environmental sounds even in some relatively quieter indoor material. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English and Spanish subtitles are available.

Twinless Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There are no supplements on this bare bones disc. While I haven't been able to confirm this officially, this may be another one of the specialty Lionsgate releases where some consumers get an MOD BD-R. The disc sent to me was a pressed BD 25. A digital copy is enclosed in the keepcase.

Twinless Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Twinless is one of those pieces where the humor is laced with a significant "eww" factor at times, albeit in this case more emotionally based than in, say, some "comedy horror" films where that reaction is more tied to gory bloodletting and the like. O'Brien is exceptional in both parts he plays, and Sweeney is an engaging if somewhat troubling presence as well. Technical merits are solid, and even without supplements, Twinless comes Recommended.