I was just catching up on movie news this morning, April 30, 2025, when I saw the update I’ve been waiting for: Twinless, the Sundance-winning dark comedy starring Dylan O’Brien, is hitting theaters on September 5, 2025! As someone who’s been a fan of O’Brien since I binged Teen Wolf with my sister back in high school—we’d stay up late guessing who the next Alpha would be—this news has me buzzing. The film’s journey from Sundance to theaters has been a wild ride, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds on the big screen. Let’s dive into why I’m so excited and what this release means for fans like me.
A Long-Awaited Premiere After Sundance Buzz
Twinless first stole hearts at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, where it premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition and snagged the Audience Award. I remember hearing about it back then—my friend who attended Sundance wouldn’t stop raving about how it made her laugh and cry in the same breath. The story follows two young men, played by Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney (who also wrote and directed), who meet in a support group for people who’ve lost their twins and form an unlikely, intense friendship. What got me hooked was hearing it’s a dark comedy that tackles grief, loneliness, and codependency with both humor and heart—I’ve always been a sucker for films that can balance those tones, like The King of Staten Island, which I watched with my brother during a tough time.
The road to release hasn’t been smooth, though. After Sundance, the film faced drama when graphic clips leaked online, leading to its removal from the festival’s streaming platform. I felt for the team—having your work spoiled like that must sting, especially for a smaller film with such a personal story. But the buzz only grew, with early reviews giving it a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes (now at 97% with 34 reviews). Critics called it “funny, heartbreaking, and delightful,” and I knew I had to see it.
September 5—Mark Your Calendars!
Fast forward to today, and the wait is finally over: Twinless is set for a theatrical release on September 5, 2025, thanks to a deal with Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate for U.S. distribution, while Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions will handle international markets. I’m thrilled it’s getting a theater run—I love the experience of watching a film like this with an audience, especially a comedy where you can feel the room’s energy. September feels like the perfect time, too; it’s right after summer blockbusters, giving Twinless a chance to shine as a more intimate, character-driven story. I’m already planning to drag my sister along—she’s been as excited as I am since we heard O’Brien was starring.
Why I’m So Invested in This Story
What makes Twinless so personal for me is its focus on grief and connection. I lost a close cousin a few years ago, and the way it reshaped my family still lingers. The idea of two people bonding over shared loss, even in a messy, complicated way, resonates deeply. I’ve also always admired O’Brien’s ability to bring depth to his roles—I still think about his performance in The Maze Runner and how he made Thomas feel so real. Critics are saying he delivers a “knockout” dual role as Roman and his late twin Rocky, showing off a range that’s both hilarious and heartbreaking. Sweeney, as the co-star and director, is also getting praise for his “delicate yet unsparing” approach, and I’m curious to see how he balances directing himself in such an emotionally raw story.
The cast is stacked with talent, too—Lauren Graham, Aisling Franciosi, Tasha Smith, and Chris Perfetti, to name a few. I’ve been a fan of Graham since Gilmore Girls (my go-to comfort show in college), and I can’t wait to see her in this. The trailer isn’t out yet, but I’m picturing the kind of quirky, emotional vibe that Sundance films often nail, with a mix of dark humor and tender moments that’ll probably leave me reaching for tissues.
A Bigger Picture for Indie Films
This release date also feels like a win for indie films in general. Sundance darlings don’t always get the theatrical push they deserve—I remember how CODA had to fight for attention before it won Oscars. Twinless getting this kind of distribution, especially after its Sundance success, gives me hope that smaller stories can still find their audience. It’s also exciting to see it join other buzzy films I’ve been following lately, like Thunderbolts with its 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, which dropped its trailer today, too. September is shaping up to be a great month for movies, and I’m ready to soak it all in.
Counting Down to September 5
Twinless hitting theaters on September 5, 2025, is the news I needed to kick off my fall movie season. It’s a story about grief, friendship, and finding connection in the messiest of ways, brought to life by a cast I adore and a director who’s clearly poured his heart into it. I can’t wait to laugh, cry, and probably overthink every twist with my sister when we see it. What about you—are you as hyped for Twinless as I am? Let’s count down together!