The Skeleton Twins: A “Dramedy” That Defies Expectations

Photo courtesy / Sony Pictures

The word “dramedy” has become an irritating word to me recently. So many films describe themselves as dramedies, and in their attempt to be comedic and dramatic they end up at least one and not the other, or neither. The really terrific thing about The Skeleton Twins is not only is it really funny, but also very poignant and moving at the same time. The film is led by two outstanding performances from actress Kristen Wiig and actor Bill Hader, two Saturday Night Live veterans, as the titular twins. Teamed with a great script and sympathetic direction, they create a wonderful film. The Skeleton Twins, though not perfect, is funny, moving, charming and very humanistic.

The Skeleton Twins are Maggie and Milo, played by Wiig and Hader, respectively. The twins have not spoken to each other in 10 years. Maggie is a dentist who is unhappy in her marriage with her husband Lance, played by Luke Wilson. Her brother Milo is a gay man with an unsuccessful writing career living in Los Angeles. The film opens with Maggie, who is about to commit suicide, receiving a call from a hospital that her brother has already attempted suicide. Maggie brings Milo to stay with her at her home in New York, and from there they examine their relationship, the lives they have made for themselves and how they arrived at this point.

One of the best things about The Skeleton Twins is how good Wiig and Hader are in their roles. Both of them play very damaged human beings coming together in their pain to rediscover themselves and to re-examine their lives and relationships. The two of them have brilliant chemistry which comes as a direct result of Wiig and Hader’s many years working side by side on SNL. Wiig gives her best performance to date as the unhappy Maggie, conveying to the viewer every bit of the pain and trauma her character is experiencing.

Hader, playing Milo, is not quite as good. Although Hader, at times, portrays Milo in a stereotypically gay manner, he often rose above the label as well (he certainly never went anywhere near the level of Stefon, his famous SNL character). The Skeleton Twins is not afraid of its characters’ numerous flaws and defects. Even though both of them hurt many of the people close to them, the audience never loses sympathy for them or loses sight of their humanity. It is a film that loves its characters and this translates well to the audience.

The Skeleton Twins miraculously manages not only to be funny but moving as well. It goes into very dark territory, and some of the films strongest moments are when it shows moments of real truth between characters. That does not mean the comedy is not extremely strong as well; more than once it made me laugh out loud in my seat. It is actually, dare I say, too funny in parts. By which I mean there are brief moments where it seems like Wiig and Hader are performing on Saturday Night Live again, and the film occasionally obliges them. These farcical scenes slightly clash with the heavier drama in the film. The film is actually at its funniest when it is using pitch black humor. Still, this is a minor quibble; The Skeleton Twins remains a very satisfying experience.

I hope The Skeleton Twins foreshadows bright futures for everyone involved. Nothing would make me happier than for Wiig to receive more material like this. It is a profound, funny and moving film about family and life, past and future. It is also exceptionally well-acted by the entire cast. I highly recommend it to those wanting to see something that actually succeeds as a “dramedy.”