The Skeleton Twins

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The Skeleton Twins

R

2014

1h 31m

Comedy

Drama

LGBTQ+

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

164 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Following many years of estrangement, twins Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wiig) have an unexpected reunion after a set of near-tragedies. The situation forces them to confront how their lives became so broken. For Maggie, it means examining why she's so unhappy in a marriage to a loving husband. For Milo, it means meeting with his first love to see if their romance can reignite. Eventually, they learn that living truthfully and accepting each other is the only way to move forward.

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Critics Consensus

Led by powerful performances from Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, The Skeleton Twins effectively mines laughs and tears from family drama.

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David Sims

The Atlantic

Sep 22, 2016

Despite occasional charming moments and a generally solid ensemble, The Skeleton Twins doesn't distinguish itself in any memorable way.

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

Nov 9, 2014

Suicide is no laughing matter, but there are some wry smiles in this changeably moody indie-pic about self-destructive siblings.

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Charlotte O'Sullivan

London Evening Standard

Nov 7, 2014

4/5

How can you not love something that gives Wiig so much scope?

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

Jul 31, 2025

3/5

The clear chemistry between these two former television co-workers crosses over nicely into serious drama.

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Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

Feb 1, 2021

3.5/5

An interesting and funny character study for much of its 93 minute running time, but the ending feels almost as if the production ran out of money and shut down before they figured out a satisfactory conclusion.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

Dec 4, 2020

4/10

An exhausting succession of dramatic happenings that leave little room for periodic small wins.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 7, 2026

The Skeleton Twins is a 3.5 star Movie Plus I am gay so I love gay films!

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Bridget B

@RT85206161 Sep 13, 2026

A word of caution: This movie contains multiple scenes referencing characters’ complex trauma, specifically suicide and abuse of a minor child. Dial or text 988 if you or someone you care about are in a mental health crisis.//This movie pinched my heart with sorrow, uplifted me, made me chuckle, and realistically portrayed moments of hard decision-making, pathos, healing, and connection in the life of complex trauma survivors. It is the most authentic film about the micro moments of change that happen in the human healing process. These micro moments are instances of decision-making that turn on a breathless dime in the screenplay. The moments are all portrayed with distinctively raw, realistic comic and dramatic timing. The acting, the cinematography, the dialogue, plot, and directing, all support each other beautifully in this ultimately excellent film.

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Steven E

@RT30436402 Jul 8, 2026

It was a good movie, but a heavy drama, and because both of the principles are really good comics, I had expected it to be more comic. They're both excellent dramatic actors, but it was pretty depressing.

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Horror fan 4

@Horrorfan4life Aug 23, 2025

A great movie with 2 excellent performances by wiig and hader. Love the chemistry with the song!! Tim Treakle

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Stephen C

@bob25009 May 29, 2025

LOL, a funny and successful comedy movie in 1 hour and 31 minutes!!!!!!!! Rated R for Language, Drug Use and Some Sexuality.

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Stephen L

@RT02285025 Mar 16, 2025

"The Skeleton Twins" is a heartfelt and darkly funny exploration of sibling bonds, trauma, and emotional recovery. Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig deliver standout dramatic performances, showcasing a chemistry that makes their characters’ complicated relationship feel authentic and deeply affecting. The film skillfully balances humor and melancholy, using sharp writing and intimate direction to navigate its heavier themes. While its indie sensibilities may not appeal to all, The Skeleton Twins is a moving, well-acted film that finds beauty in life’s messier moments.

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Craig Johnson

Director

Bill Hader

Milo

Kristen Wiig

Maggie

Luke Wilson

Lance

Ty Burrell

Rich

Boyd Holbrook

Billy

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Synopsis

Following many years of estrangement, twins Milo (Bill Hader) and Maggie (Kristen Wiig) have an unexpected reunion after a set of near-tragedies. The situation forces them to confront how their lives became so broken. For Maggie, it means examining why she's so unhappy in a marriage to a loving husband. For Milo, it means meeting with his first love to see if their romance can reignite. Eventually, they learn that living truthfully and accepting each other is the only way to move forward.

Director: Craig Johnson
Producer: Stephanie Langhoff, Jennifer Lee, Jacob Pechenik
Screenwriter: Craig Johnson, Mark Heyman
Distributor: Roadside Attractions
Production Co: Duplass Brothers, Venture Forth
Rating: R (Language|Drug Use|Some Sexuality)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, LGBTQ+
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 19, 2014, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 30, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.3M
Runtime: 1h 31m

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