What were the Hottest Queer Films at Sundance 2025?

Sundance was a cinematic queerfest this year, boasting wonderful LGBTQ+ stories and characters. It wouldn't be surprising if a number of this year's titles went on to become major contenders in the 2025 awards season.

The only downside to covering the festival virtually is that many highly anticipated queer films were only available to press on the ground. It's disappointing that LGBTQ+ media weren't allowed access to "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Jimpa," "The Wedding Banquet," and "Peter Hujar's Day."

Regardless, there were plenty of amazing queer-themed and queer-friendly features screened virtually. These are among the best of the narrative features.

'Twinless'

What starts out as a bro-mantic comedy takes a sharp, unexpected turn in writer-director-co-star James Sweeney's hilarious, poignant, and anxiety-inducing genre-blend, "Twinless."

Roman (Dylan O'Brien) first meets Dennis (Sweeney) in a bereavement support group for survivors who have lost their identical twin. The two become buddies, shopping for groceries, eating out together, etc... Roman, who is straight, isn't the brightest flair in the sky and misses his gay brother, Rocky, terribly. Dennis is gay and guilt ridden over how he lost his twin. The film then flashes back for a rather shocking reveal, and then careens forward for the repercussions. No spoilers. Suffice it to say, the film takes the viewer on a unique and emotional journey that never feels inauthentic, even when it approaches dark comedy.

O'Brien delivered a powerful turn in last year's "Ponyboi," and his performance in "Twinless" solidifies his place as one of the most impressive actors working in indie films today. It's a fantastic dual performance where he manages to play two very different, but super-connected, twins, one a well-educated egotist and the other a self-conscious, yet sweet, ruffian. As Roman, he strikes just the right tender/gruff balance. He justly won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting. (Besides O'Brien's accolade, "Twinless" won the Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic.)

Sweeney's script perspicaciously explores loneliness, loss, trauma, and the need for connection. The film has a few graphic sex scenes – one gay – that never feel gratuitous.

"Twinless" is destined to be one of 2025's best films.