Dylan O’Brien’s Sundance comedy “Twinless” has scored U.S. distribution from Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate, TheWrap has learned.
The dark comedy, centered on two young men who form an unlikely bond in a twin bereavement support group, won the audience award at the most recent Sundance Film Festival.
The film will be released theatrically on Sept. 5 domestically by Roadside Attractions.
In his review, TheWrap’s Chase Hutchinson wrote, “There is no way to completely discuss ‘Twinless,’ the latest film from writer/director/actor James Sweeney, without robbing its biggest turns of their impact. The initial premise, about two guys that meet in a twin bereavement support group and then start to grow closer, is merely a small fraction of what this film has in store as it upends expectations and runs with them as far as it can. It’s a juggling act of tones that manages to be funny, chaotic, dark and even unexpectedly poignant.”
Writer/director James Sweeney said in a statement: “I’m delighted to pair up with Roadside and Lionsgate to bring our film into theaters nationwide. I’m holding ample space for Twinless and look forward to overthinking future press quotes.”
“The sharp comedy depicts complex characters in such an irreverent, emotional and hysterical way. The chemistry between Dylan and James is absolutely combustible and it’s a film that is best seen in a theater. I know we have found the right home at Roadside Attractions,” said producer David Permut.
“’Twinless’ is both a genuine comedic crowd pleaser and a sophisticated examination of male friendship in the internet age. Dylan O’Brien’s performance in a dual role is nothing less than a star-defining turn and multi-hyphenate Sweeney declares himself a generational talent both in front of and behind the camera. We are confident the film will connect with theatrical audiences nationwide as strongly as it did at Sundance,” added Roadside Attractions co-presidents Eric d’Arbeloff and Howard Cohen.
The deal was negotiated by Charlotte Koh on behalf of Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. Sejin Croninger negotiated for Republic Pictures.
Previously, O’Brien revealed the careful preparation behind his dual performance in the movie, where strategic production scheduling helped him create distinct identities for twin characters Rocky and Roman.
“We actually constructed our shoot schedule around separating Rocky and Rome,” director James Sweeney told senior writer Drew Taylor at TheWrap’s Sundance Studio presented by World of Hyatt. O’Brien noted this was a priority discussed “years before we shot the movie,” as he “really want them to have some type of physical difference in some type of way.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated on April 29, 2025 to reflect that the acquisition closed.
