"The Skeleton Twins" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'THE SKELETON TWINS': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Indie comedy-drama flick about twins who reunite, after ten years of not seeing each other, when one unsuccessfully tries to commit suicide. The film stars Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig as the twins and costars Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell and Boyd Holbrook. It was directed by sophomore filmmaker Craig Johnson and written by Johnson and Mark Heyman (who also co-wrote 'BLACK SWAN'). It's a pretty dark and depressing drama, at times, but it's also really funny and it's filled with three good performances (Hader, Wiig and Wilson).

Milo (Hader) and Maggie (Wiig) are twins who haven't spoken much or seen each other in ten years. In a weird 'twin coincidence' they both plan to commit suicide on the same day; but Maggie is interrupted by an emergency phone call, about her brother's failed attempt. She brings him home to live with her and her husband, Lance (Wilson). Lance and Maggie inform Milo that they're trying to have a baby but Maggie is unsure if she wants a child. She's also having an affair, with her scuba instructor (Holbrook). At the same time Milo reunites with a former teacher (Burrell), that he used to have relations with.

It's great to see Hader and Wiig doing some pretty serious acting (especially Hader; who hasn't had much experience with it, at all). They're both more than up to the task. While the movie is primarily a serious drama, and a pretty believable character study, it's also hilarious. My favorite thing about the film is it's humor. While both Hader and Wiig's characters seem like real people they're also pretty unlikeable at times and I had a hard time really rooting for either of them. I did really enjoy Luke Wilson's character though (and he's great in his role). The script is clever and well played out and Johnson gives the material a beautiful director's touch. Despite my inability to completely relate to the main characters I still think it's a really well-made film.