Movie Review - The Skeleton Twins

The Skeleton Twins *** (R) Movie theaters have been filled with the career extensions of legions of Saturday Night Live alums for about three decades, ranging from the regrettable to the iconic. Most of their productions have plied the full spectrum of comedies, but the skill sets developed in that crucible can transfer to drama, as well. Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd have admirably proven that point. In this dramedy, Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig play twins who, despite 10 years out of touch while living on opposite coasts, wind up suicidally depressed at the same moment before an event brings them back together.

Wiig and Hader’s shared years in that repertory company pay off handsomely, as their sibling interactions come across as real and heartfelt, with no obvious effort. We feel the estrangement and emotional distance their long separation and different lifestyles (he’s gay and lonely; she’s unhappily married to a loving doofus; they both feel like failures) created that can yield in a heartbeat to some childhood bonding memory that’s triggered, before returning to their bummed out adult selves again. The pattern of peekaboo joys amidst their overriding worries adds up to a touching and believable portrayal of adult twins whose superficial differences are belied by the shared formative experiences of their youth.

Chemistry between movie co-stars is usually mentioned in romantic fare, whether comic or dramatic. Here it flourishes in a unique context. The script (co-written by director Craig Johnson) serves up some fine moments, though overall may not be regarded as particularly memorable or profound. But two gifted comedic actors showcase their capacity for a whole new range of possibilities, and that easily justifies your trip to the theater. (9/19/14)