Review of The Skeleton Twins (2014) by Ryan A — 21 Aug 2017

Sometimes there are certain elements to a film that can set false expectations. They don't necessarily ruin the experience of watching, but you just feel surprised or baffled when you start watching. Such was the case when I saw a film starring Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, because it must be a comedy right? Not so much. While there are some moments of levity, this certainly isn't the kind of film you expect from two SNL alums. It's almost the total opposite of that.

However, The Skeleton Twins was exactly what Hader and Wiig needed to prove they are more than just comedic actors. This film is deep and emotional, and the lead performances are outstanding. I felt their pain and depression, and they never came across like they were faking it (which is often a trap that comedians fall into when trying to go serious.) Also, Luke Wilson was a good counterpoint to these two and strangely his normality contrasted with the two leads made him one of the funniest parts of the film.

While the story was well told, I had a hard time with The Skeleton Twins. To be perfectly honest it was just too real for me. Perhaps if I were in a different place in my life, or I watched this on another day, it would have been more enjoyable. It was so dark, and so heavy, I was concerned for my own emotional state while watching it. I didn't hate the film, and I might watch it again sometime, but this viewing was a challenge. I commend the film for being powerful and authentic enough to affect me in such a way, but that still made it tough to enjoy.