In the film Twinless, Roman finally forgives Dennis for his lies and involvement in Rocky’s death. This forgiveness comes after a painful confrontation and a period of reflection. Roman understands that Dennis acted out of loneliness and guilt. Their friendship does not continue, but both men find closure and peace. The ending shows that forgiveness is possible even after deep betrayal.
Twinless is a dramedy about grief, loss, and unexpected friendships. It follows Roman, played by Dylan O’Brien, who loses his twin brother Rocky. At a support group, he meets Dennis, played by James Sweeney, who claims to have also lost a twin. They form a close bond, but Dennis is hiding a dark secret. The film explores how their relationship evolves after the truth is revealed.
Why Dennis Lied to Roman in Twinless
Dennis lied to Roman because he was lonely and felt guilty about Rocky’s death. Dennis had a short romantic relationship with Rocky. He was in love with Rocky, but Rocky did not feel the same way. When Dennis saw Rocky with another man, he confronted him. This led to an accident where Rocky was hit by a car and died. Dennis wanted to stay connected to Rocky, so he entered Roman’s life by pretending to have lost his own twin. He feared that Roman would reject him if he knew the truth. Dennis also saw Roman as a substitute for Rocky and developed feelings for him.
Dennis fell head over heels for him in a way that Rocky simply didn’t. When Dennis went to confront him after seeing Rocky with another man, Rocky ended up accidentally being hit by another car and was instantly killed. It’s this desperation to be connected to Rocky that prompts Dennis to follow Roman and eventually insert him into his life .
The Discovery of Dennis’ Deceit
Roman discovers that Dennis knew Rocky and was involved in the accident that caused his death. Dennis also never had a twin brother. Roman feels betrayed and angry. He reacts violently, beating Dennis and ending their friendship. This revelation makes Roman question everything about their relationship. He must deal with the loss of his brother and the betrayal of his friend at the same time.
The Emotional Confrontation and Forgiveness
In the final act, Roman decides to meet Dennis one last time. Instead of violence, he chooses to listen. Dennis admits his lies and takes full responsibility for his actions. Roman understands that Dennis was motivated by grief and loneliness, not malice. He forgives Dennis, but their friendship does not continue. This conversation gives both men a sense of closure. They can move on with their lives without anger or regret.
Roman meets Dennis for the last time and decides to answer in a calm manner instead of wrath. Although their friendship doesn’t continue, Roman forgives Dennis, and both men gain a feeling of closure. Dennis takes ownership of his behavior and no longer makes Roman a surrogate for Rocky .
The Meaning of the Ending
The ending of Twinless shows that forgiveness does not require reconciliation. Roman and Dennis part ways but without hatred. The film highlights that people can grow from their mistakes and learn to forgive others. Roman’s forgiveness helps him heal from his grief and become a better person. Dennis learns to accept himself and stop living in the past.
Forgiveness leaves both men better than they initially were, with an allowance for grief and regret that keeps it from festering into something deceitful or violent. Twinless has an effectively bittersweet ending that lands so well because it speaks to the challenge of forgiveness in grief, both for the mistakes of the living and the regrets of the dead .
Character Growth and Transformation
Roman starts the film as an angry and grieving man. He struggles with his identity without his twin. Through his relationship with Dennis and his girlfriend Marcie, he learns to control his anger and express his emotions. By the end, he becomes more self-aware and empathetic. Dennis starts as a lonely and dishonest character. He learns to be honest with himself and others. His journey is about accepting his past and seeking redemption.
The Role of Other Characters
Marcie, Roman’s girlfriend, plays a key role in his transformation. She is kind but firm, and she helps Roman become a better person. She also stands up to Dennis when he tries to interfere in their relationship. Roman’s mother, Lisa, shows another side of grief. Her arguments with Roman highlight how loss can strain family relationships. The support group facilitator, Charlotte, adds humor to the film with her unusual methods.
Marcie, Roman’s girlfriend, is kind and incredibly understanding. She stands up for herself (and others) when mistreated but is also quick to forgive .
Why the Ending Works
The ending works because it feels realistic and emotionally satisfying. It does not offer a simple happy ending but a nuanced resolution. The characters’ choices are believable and true to their personalities. The audience can understand both Roman’s anger and Dennis’s loneliness. The film encourages viewers to empathize with flawed characters and consider the complexity of human relationships.
Twinless was released in theaters on September 5, 2025. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2025, where it won the Audience Award. Dylan O’Brien also won a Special Jury Award for Acting. The film was directed by James Sweeney, who also wrote the screenplay and played Dennis. It is distributed by Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate.
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Credits: ScreenRant, Plugged In
