By Rebekah Marin

As we approach mid-October hearing the movie title “The Skeleton Twins” you might assume, as I did, that it’s just another poorly executed Halloween-based horror movie, but if you’re anything like me you’ll be pleased to know that this movie is much better than the title initially suggests.

A set of twins, Maggie and Milo, played by Kristen Wiig and Bill Hadar are reunited after being out of touch for ten years. The story focuses on the rekindling of their bond as siblings, support systems, and most importantly as friends. Milo and Maggie have been living on opposite ends of the country while trying to cope with a few very similar issues throughout their time apart. Milo struggles as an aspiring actor in LA while his twin sister seems to be getting her life together with a seemingly quintessential husband, job as a dental hygienist, and home in New York. However, with the two of them unhappy in their current situations Maggie decides to invite Milo to move in with her until he at least can get his life back on track.
During their time together they are forced to deal with their absent minded and free-spirited mother, the lingering doom of their fathers death, and their addictions. The on screen chemistry between the twins swings back and forth between hilariously charming and painfully real. At times it seemed like there was no salvaging their bond, that all they had left was their childhood memories. Thanks to tough love, laughing gas, a few too many drinks at the bar, and karaoke duets the twins are able to mature together and get out of the messes they found themselves in before they reunited.

As one of five children myself, this movie reminded me of the importance of family bonds. Every family is expected to experience their fair share of ups and downs, but going through it together should only end up bringing the people involved closer regardless of personality conflicts, or differing belief. The Skeleton Twins was a successful reminder of this, which left me empathizing with the characters as each dealt with difficult issues while making me laugh and (almost) cry on multiple occasions.