The Twin (2024) Movie Review

A Haunting Descent into Irish Folklore and Psychological Terror

In the crowded landscape of psychological horror films, The Twin emerges as a distinctive entry that skillfully weaves Irish folklore with modern grief narratives. Directed by J.C. Doler in his feature directorial debut, this atmospheric thriller explores the devastating aftermath of loss while introducing audiences to the terrifying concept of the Fetch—a supernatural entity from Celtic mythology that serves as both literal antagonist and metaphorical representation of guilt.

Plot Summary: When Grief Opens Dark Doors

After the tragic loss of his son, Nicholas (Logan Donovan) struggles with his grief and a strained relationship with his wife Charlie (Aleksa Palladino). Under the watch of psychiatrist Dr. Beaumont (Robert Longstreet), Nicholas begins experiencing terrifying visions of a shadowy figure that looks like himself. As reality begins to unravel around him, Nicholas must confront both his traumatic past and the supernatural force that threatens to consume him entirely.

The Twin operates on multiple levels of horror—psychological, supernatural, and emotional—creating a layered experience that resonates long after the credits roll. The film’s exploration of how grief can literally open doors to darker forces provides both chills and genuine emotional depth.

Key Plot Elements:

• Supernatural threat: The introduction of the Fetch, an Irish folkloric entity • Psychological deterioration: Nicholas’s descent into terror and confusion • Relationship strain: The impact of loss on marriage and family dynamics • Professional intervention: Dr. Beaumont’s attempts to provide psychiatric support • Reality distortion: Blurring lines between supernatural and psychological explanations

Outstanding Performances Drive the Horror

Logan Donovan as Nicholas

Logan Donovan portrays a grieving man whose path to healing is interrupted by disturbing supernatural forces. Logan Donovan is an actor from San Anselmo, CA. He graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts under Dean and theater hall of famer Gerald Freedman. His performance as Nicholas showcases remarkable range, effectively conveying a man wrestling with both internal demons and external supernatural threats.

Donovan’s portrayal requires him to navigate complex emotional territory—from devastating grief to mounting terror to final confrontation. Featuring a “haunted and physically impressive performance” from Logan Donovan as Nicholas (and also playing his shadowy figure). This dual role adds an intriguing layer to the performance, as Donovan must embody both the protagonist and his supernatural doppelganger.

Aleksa Palladino as Charlie

Aleksa Palladino (born 1980 or 1981) is an American actress, perhaps best known for her lead roles in Manny & Lo, The Adventures of Sebastian Cole, Find Me Guilty, Angela Darmody in the HBO crime series Boardwalk Empire (2010–2011), Mara in Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007), Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007), The Midnight Swim (2014), Mary Sheeran in The Irishman (2019), and No Man of God (2021).

Palladino brings considerable experience to her role as Charlie, drawing from her extensive background in both television and film. She also played a main role in the second season of the AMC period drama Halt and Catch Fire. Her performance as the grieving wife provides crucial grounding for the film’s more supernatural elements, offering audiences an emotional anchor as the narrative descends into psychological horror.

Supporting Cast Excellence

Robert Longstreet delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Beaumont, the psychiatrist attempting to help Nicholas navigate his trauma. Longstreet’s experience in character-driven roles serves the film well, providing professional authority while maintaining an undercurrent of uncertainty about what Nicholas is truly experiencing.

Technical Craftsmanship and Atmospheric Design

Direction and Vision

The Twin, formerly known as The Fetch, is directed by American editor / producer / filmmaker J.C. Doler, making his feature directorial debut with this film after many other shorts. Doler demonstrates impressive control over tone and atmosphere, successfully balancing supernatural horror elements with psychological depth.

The director’s background as an editor serves the film well, particularly in scenes where reality becomes questionable. The Twin benefits from precise pacing that allows tension to build naturally while providing moments for character development and emotional processing.

Cinematography and Visual Design

The film’s visual approach emphasizes atmospheric dread over jump scares. The film cleverly uses the “evil twin” motif not just for scares, but as a metaphor for the darker self: the guilt, the blame, the secrets buried deep in the past. This metaphorical approach extends to the visual design, where shadows and reflections become increasingly important as the narrative progresses.

Visual Strengths: • Atmospheric lighting that enhances psychological tension • Creative use of shadows to suggest supernatural presence • Intimate cinematography that focuses on character emotion • Practical effects that maintain believability • Setting design that supports the folklore elements

Irish Folklore Meets Modern Horror

The Fetch: Cultural Authenticity

“The sight of your Fetch is an omen for coming death.” The film’s grounding in authentic Irish folklore provides a refreshing alternative to more common horror tropes. The concept of the Fetch—a supernatural doppelganger that appears as a death omen—offers both cultural specificity and universal themes about confronting one’s darker nature.

This folkloric foundation gives The Twin a unique position in contemporary horror cinema. Rather than relying on generic supernatural threats, the film draws from specific cultural traditions while making them accessible to modern audiences.

Thematic Depth Beyond Surface Scares

The possession is both literal and emotional. Creepy, atmospheric, and heartbreaking, it combines psychological terror with supernatural thrills. This dual approach—treating supernatural elements as both real threats and metaphorical representations—elevates the material above simple horror fare.

Central Themes Include: • Grief processing and its psychological toll • Guilt manifestation through supernatural means • Relationship strain under extreme circumstances • Mental health awareness and professional intervention • Cultural folklore as modern metaphor

Audience Reception and Critical Assessment

Festival Success and Recognition

This initially premiered at the 2024 Austin Film Festival last year. The film’s festival circuit success indicates strong reception among genre enthusiasts and critics who appreciate thoughtful horror filmmaking.

IMDb RATING · 7.6/10 · 101 This solid rating suggests positive audience response, particularly impressive for an independent horror film in a competitive market.

Critical Perspective

Though it leans into familiar horror tropes, the emotional core and strong performances make it stand out. It’s not just a ghost story—it’s a story about how grief can open the door to something much darker.

However, some critics noted pacing issues: It does start to feel like a B movie at the end, but all in all it’s a pretty good watch. This observation suggests that while the film succeeds in many areas, it may struggle to maintain its sophisticated approach throughout the entire runtime.

For those interested in exploring more diverse perspectives on horror cinema, the YouTube channel C.A.A.M offers insightful analysis of genre films that often go beyond surface-level reviews.

Production and Distribution Details

Behind the Scenes

The screenplay is by Paul Petersen and J.C. Doler; from a story by Taylor Bracewell, Chris Alan Evans, Paul Petersen, J.C. Doler. Produced by Logan Donovan, Alexander Jeffery, Paul Petersen, Brittany Fallow, Chris Alan Evans, & Doler.

The collaborative approach to both writing and production reflects the independent filmmaking spirit that often produces the most innovative horror content. Donovan’s dual role as both lead actor and producer demonstrates significant investment in the project’s success.

Release Strategy and Availability

The Twin was a limited release in 2025 on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. You can buy “The Twin” on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home as download or rent it on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home online.

The limited theatrical release followed by digital availability reflects modern distribution strategies for independent horror films. The Twin will be available to watch on Shudder from August 29, 2025. This streaming availability on Shudder, a platform known for quality horror content, suggests confidence in the film’s appeal to genre audiences.

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Comparative Analysis: Standing Among Horror Peers

Genre Positioning

The Twin occupies an interesting position within contemporary horror cinema. Unlike many modern horror films that rely heavily on jump scares or graphic violence, this film prioritizes psychological terror and emotional authenticity. The approach aligns more closely with elevated horror films like Hereditary or The Babadook than with traditional supernatural thrillers.

Folkloric Horror Renaissance

The film contributes to a growing trend of horror movies drawing from specific cultural folklore rather than generic supernatural elements. This approach provides both cultural richness and fresh perspectives on familiar themes.

Similar Films in This Category:

1. The Witch (New England folklore)
2. Midsommar (Scandinavian traditions)
3. The Wailing (Korean shamanism)
4. His House (South Sudanese beliefs)
5. The Medium (Thai spiritual practices)

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

What Works Exceptionally Well

• Authentic emotional core grounded in genuine grief • Strong lead performances from both Donovan and Palladino • Cultural specificity through Irish folkloric elements • Atmospheric direction that builds tension effectively • Metaphorical depth beyond surface horror elements

Areas That Could Be Enhanced

• Pacing consistency throughout the entire runtime • Third act execution that maintains sophistication • Supporting character development for fuller world-building • Balance between explanation and mystery in supernatural elements

Final Verdict: A Thoughtful Addition to Horror Cinema (The Twin)

“What I really loved was that, at the end of the read, it somehow felt heartwarming… it’s really driven by the characters and anchored in mental health.” This perspective from star Logan Donovan captures what makes The Twin distinctive—its commitment to emotional authenticity alongside supernatural terror.

The Twin succeeds as both entertainment and artistic expression. While it may not revolutionize the horror genre, it demonstrates how traditional folkloric elements can enhance modern psychological narratives. The film’s exploration of grief, guilt, and supernatural consequence creates a viewing experience that lingers beyond its runtime.

For horror enthusiasts seeking films that prioritize character development and cultural authenticity over cheap thrills, The Twin represents a worthy investment of time and attention. The movie proves that independent horror cinema continues to find fresh approaches to timeless themes.

Rating Breakdown:

• Performance: 8.5/10 • Direction: 8/10
• Writing: 7.5/10 • Cinematography: 8/10 • Overall Entertainment Value: 8/10

Final Score: 8/10

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Recommendation (The Twin)

The Twin earns a strong recommendation for viewers who appreciate:

• Psychological horror over gore-based scares
• Cultural folklore as horror foundation
• Character-driven narratives with supernatural elements
• Independent filmmaking that prioritizes story over spectacle
• Mental health themes treated with sensitivity and depth

This film represents the type of thoughtful horror cinema that proves the genre’s capacity for both entertainment and meaningful artistic expression. While not perfect, The Twin offers enough innovation and emotional resonance to justify its place among notable 2024 horror releases.