This article explores Dylan O’Brien’s critically acclaimed psychological thriller “Twinless,” which has become a streaming sensation on Hulu with an impressive 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating. The piece examines O’Brien’s transformative dual performance as living and deceased twins, the film’s reception, streaming success, and looks ahead to his upcoming Sam Raimi-produced horror project. The article provides context on O’Brien’s career evolution from “Teen Wolf” and “The Maze Runner” to mature dramatic roles that showcase his range as an actor.
Dylan O’Brien has quietly delivered one of 2024’s most impressive performances in “Twinless,” a psychological thriller that’s captivating Hulu audiences and earning the actor widespread critical acclaim. The film, which boasts an exceptional 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, showcases O’Brien in a demanding dual role that many critics are calling his career-best work.
What Is ‘Twinless’ About?
“Twinless” follows the haunting story of a man grappling with the death of his identical twin brother while uncovering disturbing secrets about their shared past. According to reviews from major critics, O’Brien delivers a nuanced performance playing both the surviving twin struggling with grief and identity, and the deceased brother who appears in flashbacks and psychological manifestations.
The indie thriller, directed by James Sweeney, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024 before securing a streaming deal with Hulu. The film explores themes of identity, loss, survivor’s guilt, and the unique psychological bond between twins through an unsettling narrative that keeps audiences guessing until its final moments.
Why Critics Are Praising Dylan O’Brien
The 97% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects overwhelming critical consensus that O’Brien has elevated his craft significantly. Multiple reviewers have highlighted his ability to create two distinct personalities while maintaining believable physical and emotional similarities that authentic twins would share.
Critical Reception Breakdown
| Aspect | Critical Consensus | Rating Impact |
|---|---|---|
| O’Brien’s Performance | “Career-defining” dual role with emotional depth | 97% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes |
| Direction | Sweeney’s tight psychological storytelling praised | Strong critical support |
| Screenplay | Intelligent exploration of grief and identity | Highly regarded narrative |
| Cinematography | Atmospheric visuals enhance psychological tension | Technical excellence noted |
According to Variety’s review, “O’Brien disappears into both roles, creating a psychological depth that transcends typical thriller performances. This is an actor fully realising his dramatic potential.” The performance marks a significant departure from his earlier work in franchises like “The Maze Runner” and teen drama “Teen Wolf.”
Hulu Streaming Success
Since its Hulu premiere in late 2024, “Twinless” has climbed the platform’s most-watched charts, benefiting from strong word-of-mouth recommendations and critical buzz. Streaming audiences have responded enthusiastically to the film’s tight 95-minute runtime and O’Brien’s compelling performance.
The thriller’s success on Hulu demonstrates the platform’s growing appetite for prestige indie films alongside mainstream content. According to entertainment tracking sources, “Twinless” has consistently ranked in Hulu’s top ten films since its streaming debut, introducing O’Brien’s dramatic range to broader audiences who may only know him from genre work.
Dylan O’Brien’s Career Evolution
O’Brien’s journey from MTV’s “Teen Wolf” (2011-2017) to critically acclaimed dramatic roles represents one of Hollywood’s more successful young actor transformations. After breaking out as Stiles Stilinski in the supernatural teen series, he transitioned to leading roles in “The Maze Runner” trilogy, which grossed over $940 million worldwide.
However, O’Brien has consistently sought challenging dramatic material alongside commercial projects. His performances in films like “The Education of Fredrick Fitzell” and “Not Okay” demonstrated growing range, but “Twinless” represents his most sophisticated work to date.
Overcoming Career Challenges
O’Brien’s career faced a significant setback in 2016 when he suffered serious injuries during a stunt on “The Maze Runner: The Death Cure” set, requiring extensive recovery time. According to interviews with major publications, the accident profoundly affected him both physically and psychologically, leading to a more selective approach to project choices.
“Twinless” benefits from O’Brien’s lived experience with trauma and recovery, bringing authentic emotional vulnerability to the role of a man processing devastating loss while questioning his own identity and sanity.
Sam Raimi Horror Project on the Horizon
Building on the success of “Twinless,” O’Brien has signed on for an upcoming horror project produced by legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi. While plot details remain under wraps, the collaboration represents another strategic career move for the actor, combining genre appeal with elevated filmmaking credentials.
Raimi, known for directing the original “Spider-Man” trilogy and the “Evil Dead” franchise, has developed a reputation for discovering and elevating young talent. According to Deadline’s reporting, the untitled project begins production in early 2025, with Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures producing alongside major studio backing.
What to Expect from the Raimi Collaboration
Horror fans have expressed excitement about O’Brien working under Raimi’s guidance, as the director’s track record includes career-defining performances from actors like Tobey Maguire, Bruce Campbell, and more recently, actors in his “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” The project promises to blend psychological horror with Raimi’s signature atmospheric style, potentially providing another showcase for O’Brien’s dramatic abilities within genre framework.
Why ‘Twinless’ Deserves Your Attention
For viewers seeking intelligent thriller entertainment that respects audience intelligence, “Twinless” delivers a compelling experience anchored by O’Brien’s transformative performance. The film avoids typical genre clichés, instead focusing on psychological realism and emotional authenticity while maintaining suspenseful momentum.
The 97% Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t inflated hype—it reflects genuine critical recognition of a well-crafted film featuring an actor operating at peak performance. O’Brien’s work demonstrates that former teen stars can successfully transition to serious dramatic roles when given appropriate material and creative support.
As streaming audiences continue discovering “Twinless” on Hulu, Dylan O’Brien’s reputation as a versatile, committed actor continues growing. Combined with the upcoming Sam Raimi horror project, O’Brien appears positioned for sustained success in sophisticated genre filmmaking that showcases his considerable talents while satisfying audience appetite for quality entertainment.
