By Keeva Stratton
A troubled sibling relationship is infused with a whole new breath of life after a brush with death in this heart-warming and authentic drama.
Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) haven’t seen or spoken to one another in 10 years. When Milo attempts to take his own life, the hospital calls Maggie; and soon Milo finds himself moving into her New York home.
Maggie is now married to an enthusiastic go-getter named Lance (Luke Wilson). He’s the perfect guy, except he seems an odd match for Maggie, who is also prone to depressive bouts and holds a generally cynical outlook on life.
As Milo heals, so does his relationship with his sister. They soon find the strength of the connection they lost, and all is fine for a while. But, eventually reality returns and they must face the history that drove them apart, as well as the truth in how they’ve come together as people.
The Skeleton Twins is a moving tribute to the complex and multilayered bond shared by siblings: the threads of hostility, closeness, love and dislike that are woven by growing up together, being raised by the same flawed parents, the sharing of formative experiences.
It’s a small film with an enormous heart, and there are plenty of laughs and lovely moments along the way. Hader and Wiig are convincing as siblings, and despite their dysfunctions, their characters of Milo and Maggie are truly likeable. While onscreen chemistry between lovers can be hit and miss, to be convincing as siblings is near impossible. They have made this task seem effortless.
Don’t let the film’s title dissuade you. The Skeleton Twins is all heart-warmer, no horror. Make sure you check it out.
Directed by: Craig Johnson
Starring: Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell
Rating: M
Runtime: 93mins
Release Date: September 25
Reviewer rating: 4/5
