Continuing my countdown of last year’s best films…

Best Films of 2025
#3. Twinless

Most of the movies on my list are by established filmmakers whose work I enjoy, and/or they’re critical darlings cleaning up on the awards show circuit. The usual suspects. Much of being a film fan is seeking out and liking the things I expect to like.

But once in awhile I’m blessed with the joy of a true discovery, and that’s what writer/director James Sweeney’s Twinless was last year. This is a sharply funny movie about grief and friendship with subtle performances and style to burn.

I hesitate to say much about the film’s plot because one of its pleasures is how nimbly its surprises unfold. I’ll just say that two men, one gay and one straight, strike up a friendship at a support group for people who’ve lost a twin. Dylan O’Brien plays the straight guy, while Sweeney directs himself in the other role.

I was mostly unaware of O’Brien before seeing him here and he absolutely blew me away. Every year I single out one performance — male or female, lead or supporting — as the year’s absolute best, and O’Brien is my 2025 winner.

He brings a wounded anger to the role, playing a sweet, somewhat dim, occasionally violent man dealing with a unique form of grief. And he tops it off by portraying his deceased twin in flashbacks, instantly transforming himself through body movement and voice. He’s a marvel.

Sweeney delivers a lovely, funny performance himself, but I’ll use this space to sing his praises as a writer and director. His shot composition and camera movement are excellent, including one bravura split-screen sequence that feels like something brand-new. The film’s editing utilizes frequent match cuts, underscoring the idea of identical twins.

The film’s script is bursting with smart jokes and clever wordplay, and it gives shading to even the minor parts (I particularly love the corporate boss who doesn’t want anybody asking about her personal life). The most significant supporting role goes to Aisling Franciosi, who starts out as comic relief but emerges as the film’s most soulful character.

Twinless won the Audience Award at last year’s Sundance Film Festival but didn’t make much of a splash in theaters. It’s available now on Hulu and I highly recommend everyone seek out this special film.