Review of The Skeleton Twins (2014) by Shahar T — 27 Aug 2015

I was blown away by the depth of not only the main characters; Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader are beyond sublime in these reluctant siblings but also the attention paid to the supporting characters. Luke Wilson is a hidden gem as Wiig's trusting, oblivious fiancee.

Bill Hader shines as Kristens gay twin brother; both actors prove yet again that with the right cast dark comedy and drama are magical.

The story begins with the twins in flashback mode as children with Hader already showing same sex preferences even then and showcasing his sister's loving devotion toward him from early on. We move to a scene with both twins, states apart, ready to take their own lives. Hader beats her to it interrupting her own plan to overdose by cutting his wrist. She pauses before swallowing a handful of pills to glance at her phone only to learn her brother is in the hospital after his failed attempt.

Never telling him of her own pain she rushes to his side and asks him to move in for awhile with her fiancee and herself in their childhood hometown in upstate New York.

Hader is shocked at the change in his twin after their ten year hiatus from contact and finds her playing the role of some stereo typical suburban hipster. The irony that his own acting career is failing only adds rich symbolism to the imposter that was his sister and best friend.

Secrets unfold among several calamities and the twins find themselves bonding over their shared dysfunctional childhood, parents and choices.

I won't spoil the ending but if you like dark humor and don't need some heavily drawn out, overly climatic ending, you'll love it.