Pop Culture Happy Hour: "Watch This: Twinless"

Airdate: September 9, 2025
Panel: Aisha Harris (host), Glen Weldon, Gene Demby
Guest: Gene Demby (NPR's Code Switch)

Episode Overview

This episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour explores Twinless, a new film by James Sweeney about two men bonded by the loss of their twin siblings. The conversation dives into the film's darkly comedic tone, its unexpected emotional intensity, the complicated dynamic between the protagonists, and the ways it subverts genre expectations. Gene Demby, himself a twin, provides unique insight into the film's portrayal of twinhood and grief.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Premise and Tone of "Twinless"

• Twinless centers on Dennis (James Sweeney), a sardonic loner grieving his twin, and Roman (Dylan O’Brien), a simple yet sincere man who's also lost his twin.
• Despite minimal shared traits beyond their loss, Dennis and Roman form a gradual, emotionally complicated bond dealing with grief, secrets, and personal shortcomings.
• Gene Demby describes the film as “so stressful to watch...intense, but legitimately laugh out loud funny.” (04:01)

Performances & Script Evolution

• Glen Weldon remarks on the evolution in Sweeney’s filmmaking since his debut, Straight Up:

  “He has settled in with this movie. He's created characters who say funny things. He has not come up with funny things and then created characters to say them. These are very natural rhythms.” (05:21)

• Aisling Franciosi’s Marcy transitions from comedic side character to a fuller, more nuanced figure:

  “She becomes a very important part of the movie.” (06:46)

The “Idiot” Dynamic & Vulnerability

• Dylan O'Brien receives high marks for his portrayal of Roman:

  “He is a quote unquote dolt or an idiot, but he also is aware that he is not very smart. There's such a great dynamic between the two of these characters.” –Aisha Harris (08:03)

• The script finds humor and heart in the interplay between confidence, self-awareness, and dignity:
  • “Can you not laugh at me? I know I'm not the brightest tool in the shed, but I don't appreciate it...If I get something wrong, tell me. Cause then I can know better.” –Gene Demby, quoting Roman (08:19)

Major Twist & Its Implications (Spoilers from 08:48)

• Major twist revealed early: Dennis is not actually a twin and is indirectly responsible for the death of Roman’s brother Rocky, following a confrontation after a brief affair.
• The panel praises this narrative decision:

  “As soon as that revelation happens, the movie changes. The movie becomes a thriller, but kind of an emotional thriller right. It becomes a ticking time bomb.” –Glen Weldon (10:13)

• Marcy, Roman’s girlfriend, acts as the story’s moral linchpin as she starts to piece together Dennis's deception.
• The growing friendship, overshadowed by guilt and hidden ties, is described as “legitimately beautiful to watch” and “heartbreaking” in its inevitability. (12:13)

Subverting Genre Expectations & Queer Themes

• The film avoids more predictable trajectories of obsession or overt homoeroticism:

  “Dennis is not necessarily interested in Roman sexually...all the ways it kind of avoids that and focuses in on this idea of these two very different people managing to be friends is what is so fascinating.” –Aisha Harris (12:56)

• Dylan O'Brien’s dual performance (as both Roman and Rocky) is highlighted for nuance and self-awareness around gay representation:

  “The first time we meet Rocky...I was like, oh, he's making choices...But then I remember how often I say ‘drama’ to my...so at that point, I kind of relaxed.” –Glen Weldon (13:54)

The Twin Perspective

• Gene Demby reflects on the intensity and uniqueness of the twin bond:

  “You have a person who very, very instinctually understands what it's like to have the upbringing you had, like, in a way that no one else had. Right.” (15:55)

• The movie’s depiction of family dynamics and grief is praised for its authenticity, particularly the complex relationship Roman has with his mother (played by Lauren Graham).

Ending & Emotional Payoff

• Without spoiling specifics, Glen Weldon lauds the film’s finale:

  “It's perfect...It just feels natural. And I just love that choice that the movie makes at the end there.” (18:04)

Reflections on Male Friendship

• The film thoughtfully addresses the often-lamented scarcity of emotional intimacy among straight men:

  “This is a movie I would like a lot of, like, straight dudes who are sort of alienated [to watch]. Cause it's such a smart movie about...having someone to talk to that is not me...I need you to go out in the world and have an emotional, intimate community that's not just me.” –Gene Demby (18:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Gene Demby (on intensity):
  “This movie is like really intense and it's both like a small character movie, but also it's so intense I was like, oh, this is gonna turn into a thriller or a unnerving twist to happen.” (04:01)
• Glen Weldon (on dialogue):
  “You could hear the screenplay...very witty and very crisp, but the characters sometimes came off as mouthpieces. [Sweeney] has settled in with this movie.” (05:21)
• Aisha Harris (on dynamic):
  “He is a quote unquote dolt or an idiot, but he also is aware that he is not very smart...his ability to be vulnerable in a way that Dennis can't. It's so rare to see that.” (08:03-08:37)
• Gene Demby (on the twist):
  “Once it's revealed that Dennis has this relationship with Rocky...the closer he gets to Roman, the more he becomes kind of ensconced in parts of Rocky's world is just looming over...And their friendship is so...legitimately beautiful to watch.” (11:10-12:13)
• Aisha Harris (on subverting expectations):
  “All the turns that you can imagine this taking and how it subverts those in every way, which I think is what makes this so great.” (13:38)
• Glen Weldon (on ending):
  “It's perfect... It just feels natural.” (18:04)
• Gene Demby (on male friendship):
  “This is a movie I would like a lot of...straight dudes who are sort of alienated [to see].” (18:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Movie Premise: 00:58 – 04:00
• Gene Demby’s First Impression: 04:01 – 05:10
• Glen Weldon on Sweeney’s Direction: 05:21 – 07:00
• Dynamics Between Leads: 07:55 – 08:47
• Plot Twist (Spoilers): 08:48 – 10:13
• Impact of the Big Reveal: 10:13 – 12:24
• Avoiding Genre Tropes: 12:24 – 13:38
• Performance Analysis (Roman/Rocky): 13:38 – 14:55
• Twin Perspective: 15:46 – 17:10
• Family Dynamics: 17:10 – 17:58
• Discussion of the Ending: 18:04 – 18:44
• Final Reflections on Friendship: 18:44 – 19:28

Panelist Recommendations & Final Thoughts

• Consensus: All three panelists highly recommend Twinless for its sharp, sensitive writing, unique genre blend, and nuanced performances.
• Gene Demby: Especially moved by the depiction of twin and sibling bonds, and the rare display of emotional vulnerability in male friendship.
• Glen Weldon: Praises the naturalistic dialogue, organic character development, and a quietly perfect ending.
• Aisha Harris: Applauds both James Sweeney’s and Dylan O’Brien’s performances, enthusiastic to see what these artists do next.

For Further Discussion

Find the PCHH team on Facebook or Letterboxd, and share your own take on Twinless. Episode links are available in the show description.