James Sweeney discusses individuals with low self-esteem in "Twinless."

      James Sweeney’s Twinless raises the question: What occurs when you lose the person who completed you?

      Currently screening at Sundance, the film tells the story of Dennis (Sweeney) and Roman (Dylan O’Brien), two young men who connect in a twin-bereavement support group and establish a layered friendship while seeking comfort. The cast includes Lauren Graham, known for her role in Gilmore Girls.

      We spoke with Sweeney about his close friend and cinematographer Greg Cotten, the impact of Brian De Palma on Twinless, and the theme of deception.

      Joshua Encinias: Is Lauren Graham aware that you referenced Gilmore Girls in your first film, Straight Up?

      James Sweeney: I’ve brought it up. I’m not sure if she has seen the film, which might be for the best. [Laughs.]

      Joshua Encinias: Dylan serves as an executive producer for Twinless. What was his involvement?

      James Sweeney: The title of executive producer can vary in meaning, but Dylan has been associated with this project since 2020. I allowed him to engage as much as he wished. He really supported me on set, provided feedback during post-production — he’s never watched a film he’s in as closely as this one — and even helped us secure a HAIM song, “Leaning on You,” for the soundtrack. Whenever we could rely on him, we did.

      Joshua Encinias: Can you discuss your long working relationship with Greg Cotten, who also shot your previous films, Straight Up and Brooklyn Love Stories?

      James Sweeney: Greg is my closest friend — we met in our freshman year of film school, and he has filmed everything I’ve ever created. It’s challenging to envision shooting without him because over the years we’ve developed a shorthand, and there is a deep-seated trust between us. He understands my shooting style. One of Greg's strengths is his adaptability, and he excels with both crew and talent, which is invaluable for a cinematographer.

      Joshua Encinias: You filmed a kiss between Dylan’s character and his love interest using a spit diopter, and that’s not the only classic cinematic technique employed in the film. What draws you to older methods?

      James Sweeney: Brian De Palma influenced our visual approach. We also utilized a split diopter in my first film, Straight Up. I believe it enhances the visual language of this film as we explore concepts of duality and balance within both composition and narrative.

      Joshua Encinias: Why did you choose to shoot some parts of Twinless on 35mm film?

      James Sweeney: We shot both on 35mm and digitally. When shifting perspectives, the image transitions from 35mm to digital, as the story engages with themes of authenticity versus artifice. I’d like to leave it to viewers to determine if the visual shifts are clear or not.

      Joshua Encinias: There’s a scene where your character Dennis records his voicemail while the camera zooms out to reveal a surprising image repeatedly.

      James Sweeney: That shot was challenging because we didn’t have a VFX supervisor, which, looking back, we should have had, but we were trying to cut costs. What we attempted spatially wasn’t physically feasible, so we had to make some visual compromises for the composite. Nonetheless, we managed to achieve the intended effect of utilizing mirror images as a visual montage.

      Joshua Encinias: The theme of lying is central to the film, with some significant falsehoods presented.

      James Sweeney: After a screening at Sundance, an audience member came up to me and connected with how we portray lying in the film. I hope this helps the audience empathize with the characters, as people are not simply good or evil in a binary sense.

      Joshua Encinias: The film also examines the notion that forgiveness is neither earned nor deserved.

      James Sweeney: I believe forgiveness is a uniquely human quality. It’s one of the most intricate yet profound actions we can offer each other, and also to ourselves. This is something I firmly believe.

      You never want a line that states, “And that’s the theme of the movie!” I’m not a filmmaker trying to preach, but it touches on something I hold dear.

      I think Roman and Dennis are drawn together as friends because they both struggle with low self-esteem. They uplift each other, and I believe they strive to bring out the best in one another. That’s what makes their friendship so beautiful before conflict arises.

      Joshua Encinias: What was the most challenging aspect of creating Twinless?

      James Sweeney: The roles of producing and directing can often conflict with each other. As a director, you aim to realize your vision, while as a producer, you have to contend with budget constraints.

      Having come from directing my first film, Straight Up, I was unaware that I could request things to enhance the process. Dylan, in his role