Film Review: “The Skeleton Twins”

Craig Johnson takes the directorial reigns of his second film with the dark family dramedy, The Skeleton Twins. Having debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award, this film offers a gorgeous commentary on the strength of blood and revival of hope. Former SNL costars, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, share the screen and prove to us that they can do more than comedy and do it well.

Estranged siblings, Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wiig), are brought together through unusual circumstances in The Skeleton Twins. The film opens with Milo in the bathtub having just written an informal suicide note. Blood stains the water as we cut to Maggie, whom we learn is his twin sister. She is holding a fistful of pills staring into herself as the phone rings and informs her of Milo’s attempted suicide. They haven’t spoken in a decade. The meeting is tense and awkward but Maggie convinces her brother to stay with her and her husband Lance (Luke Wilson), a loveable simpleton with whom Maggie is dissatisfied. Milo’s relationships consist of one-night stands and an infatuation with his high school English teacher (Ty Burrell) who he had an affair with as a teenager. Together, the siblings explore the root of their unhappiness and rediscover what it’s like to have someone to confide in.

Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig give outstanding dramatic performances. The film is darkly funny and deeply encouraging. Yon won’t see any cameos by Gilly or Stefon, but you will get glimpses of the comedic geniuses behind these characters. The Skeleton Twins will have you smirking through the tears. Johnson’s subtle direction leaves Wiig and Hader to their own devices, drawing on their strong chemistry and ability to play off of each other. Strong supporting actors create a well-rounded film. Ty Burrell passes through the comedic threshold to deliver a stunningly creepy performance, while Luke Wilson is unremarkable in the most charming way. The Skeleton Twins is a film that will leave you asking the big questions and warrant some deep thinking; a film that forces you to feel to the highest extent and leaves you impressed by your favorite comedic duo.