‘Twinless’ Set for September Release: What Queer Audiences Should Know About This Sundance Standout

Twinless,’ the latest film from James Sweeney—known for his sharp, queer-focused storytelling—will open in theaters across the U.S. on September 5, 2025, distributed by Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate . The film made its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in January, where it quickly garnered critical acclaim and was awarded the prestigious Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition .

Starring Sweeney alongside Dylan O’Brien, with a supporting cast including Aisling Franciosi, Lauren Graham, and Chris Perfetti, ‘Twinless’ is positioned as a distinct entry in the queer cinema landscape. Its blend of dark humor and psychological complexity has made it one of the year’s most anticipated LGBTQ+ releases .

The narrative centers on Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney), two men who meet in a Portland-based support group for people who have lost their twins. As they navigate grief and survivor’s guilt, the pair develop a relationship that oscillates between brotherhood, obsession, and something more ambiguous—defying easy categorization and inviting LGBTQ+ audiences to reflect on the complexities of queer intimacy and identity .

Sweeney, who previously impressed with his debut ‘Straight Up,’ brings a nuanced approach to the depiction of queer male relationships. Rather than relying on stereotypes or conventional romance, ‘Twinless’ delves into the emotional messiness of connection, longing, and the search for authenticity. The film’s tension—both erotic and psychological—invites viewers to consider how queer experiences of grief and desire may diverge from, or overlap with, mainstream narratives .

Twinless’ features an ensemble cast that includes real-life twin actors in support group scenes, a creative decision that adds authenticity to the film’s portrayal of loss and community . Principal photography took place entirely on location in Portland, Oregon, lending the film a distinct sense of place and atmosphere .

Sweeney’s directorial style—marked by the use of 35mm film and a blend of comedic and dramatic elements—has drawn comparisons to classic psychological thrillers, yet remains firmly rooted in queer sensibility. The film’s exploration of doubles, assumed identities, and romantic idealism pays homage to works like Hitchcock’s ‘Vertigo,’ while subverting expectations through a distinctly LGBTQ+ lens .

Key themes in ‘Twinless’ include grief, survival, obsession, and the search for selfhood—subjects that resonate deeply within LGBTQ+ communities, where chosen family and the navigation of loss often play central roles. Critics have praised the film for its “painfully funny and deeply troubling” script, which allows space for moments of levity even amid trauma .

For LGBTQ+ audiences, the film’s depiction of queer male friendship and blurred boundaries between platonic and romantic connection offers both representation and thoughtful commentary. The story’s refusal to provide easy answers, instead embracing ambiguity and the messiness of human connection, is likely to spark important conversations around grief, identity, and queer love .

Following its Sundance debut and festival circuit run, ‘Twinless’ is slated for a wide U.S. theatrical release on September 5, 2025 . Early screenings and Q&A events are expected in major cities, with outreach to LGBTQ+ organizations and film festivals to ensure robust community engagement .

With its queer-centered narrative, inventive direction, and raw performances, ‘Twinless’ stands as a major event on the 2025 LGBTQ+ film calendar—inviting viewers to laugh, reflect, and perhaps see themselves anew on screen.