RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
In James Sweeney’s new film Twinless, two men meet in a twin support group and form an unlikely friendship. They build a bromance that looks tender and sweet. But as secrets come out into the open, the film takes a hard turn.
The film stars Dylan O’Brien as Roman and Sweeney as Dennis, both of whom are searching for a way to fill the void left by their twin other halves. Sweeney also wrote and produced the film, and he directed and produced it.
This is his second film after debuting with the indie comedy Straight Up.
Before the film’s Sept. 5 opening, Sweeney spoke with the Dallas Voice about moving from a successful festival run to its full release and trying to keep the suspense of the movie without giving away too much.
Dallas Voice;: To start, congratulations on the new film. Twinless has done quite well in the festival circuit, winning a number of awards. That must feel fulfilling leading into its release. James Sweeney: I am proud of it and happy to share this with the cast and crew. We worked really hard on this film, so to be at this point, it’s a gratifying feeling.
Are you feeling ready for this next step? I have to keep reminding myself the movie isn’t out yet. We’ve been on this lovely festival tour sharing the experience with audiences. I’m excited but a little bit nervous for more exposure. I’m a face for the film, but I’m also unfamiliar to like 95 percent of the people who will watch it.
What was the inception of this film? I’ve always been fascinated by twins. I was a military brat and had to start over a few times. For me, there was something very appetizing about the concept of a twin or best friend who finishes your sentences or wears the same clothes.
As an adult, I can look back and see I was yearning for intimacy and companionship, and I think that’s something anybody can relate to, but particularly queer people, gay men. Something about twins that is appealing to me is that it is also an exploration of identity, a theme that happens in Straight Up.
You wrote the film. You directed it, co-produced it and starred in it. Is there a magic trick to juggling all those jobs? Producing is the most difficult plate to balance and the one most at odds with the writing and the acting and directing.
How so? As a director, and creator, you want to advocate for the creative process but when the loans are in your name, then I’m all ‘Make it shorter, cut this.’ It is a symbiotic relationship and challenging to do all at the same time, but I surround myself with people I trust. My cinematographer is my best friend, so we’ve developed a shorthand. Dylan’s been attached since 2020. All that helps make things easier.
In a review of Twinless after a festival screening, the writer said you didn’t say much about the film so the audience could experience it wholly. Now with this release, do you plan to do the same? That is an internal battle. I love going into the movies blind — especially at a festival. This is a particular film, and knowing as little as possible will really take you for a ride. At this stage, I’m not sure how many people will show up in theaters, and here I am doing all this press. My hope is people will read interviews after to learn more about it.
How do you see the queer cinematic landscape today and your part in it? I would love to be part of a generation of filmmakers who are pushing the boundaries of what queer cinema can entail. But you know, this film was difficult to get made, and I would bet there are hundreds of films that don’t fit traditional queer billing and ultimately don’t get made. It comes down to those who are the people taking those risks to not only create these films but finance and distribute them.
