The Skeleton Twins stars Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader as twin siblings, Milo and Maggie, who have not spoken to one another in 10 years. The two are reunited after Milo attempts suicide and the phone call from the hospital interrupts Maggie’s own attempt. She flies from New York to Los Angeles to be by his bedside, but he asks her to return home and tries to downplay the attempt.
Sensing that Milo is not being honest with himself or with her, Maggie stays and convinces him to come to New York to stay with her and her husband Lance (Luke Wilson) while Milo gets back on his feet. While in New York, Milo confronts issues from his past while Maggie struggles with the present. While helping one another through their struggles the twins rediscover their sibling relationship but soon realize that while they can be each others greatest allies, they can also be one another’s worst enemies. Eventually, the devastation of the past confronts them both in a way that changes both Milo and Maggie forever.
I was nervous to watch The Skeleton Twins after all of the hype and acclaim it had received during its theatrical release. In the past, I have been disappointed by films talked up with similar hype and glowing press. However, this was not the case here. The Skeleton Twins exceeded my expectations and it is definitely a film I will be watching time and time again.
Although The Skeleton Twins stars two of the funniest people, it is much more drama than comedy. It does have some really hilarious scenes that Hader and Wiig play with ease. However, they also play the dramatic and intense moments with great depth and believability.
While Wiig and Hader are fantastic centerpieces in this film, the supporting cast also deserves accolades. Luke Wilson does a great job at playing Lance, who although a great guy, cannot fully understand his wife or why she cannot find happiness. Ty Burrell (Modern Family) plays Rich, the complicated first love of Milo’s life. Burrell shows that he too knows how to bring a complex and layered character to life. Joanna Gleason also delivers a fantastic performance as Milo and Maggie’s mother Judy, who while believing she is a good mother, continues to put herself first.
Besides the fantastic cast, The Skeleton Twins has the advantage of great writers in Craig Johnson, who also directs, and Mark Heyman, known for The Wrestler and Black Swan. The Duplass brothers serve as two of the films executive producers, and they continue to chose interesting and moving films to be a part of.
The Skeleton Twins is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital HD. The Blu-ray edition comes with a Digital HD copy of the film as well as the following special features: Gag Reel, Outtakes, Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Craig Johnson, “To Whom It May Concern: Making The Skeleton Twins” Featurette, Sweet Moves, Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Craig Johnson, Kristen Wiig, and Bill Hader, Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Craig Johnson, Co-Writer Mark Heyman, and Producer/Editor Jennifer Lee. Unlike many film releases, these special features are actually worth watching. I especially enjoyed the gag reel, the outtakes, and the featurette.
If you are looking for a film that is full of action sequences and explosions, The Skeleton Twins is not for you. However, if you are looking for a well-rounded film that makes you laugh and actually feel something, this film is for you.
