The Skeleton Twins" Turns 10: Celebrating Surprise Musical Moments and Other Indie Film Faves

© Sundance institute

We all have those movie moments that bring a smile to our faces, no matter how many times we’ve watched them. Often, they are the scenes we least expect, bursting with spontaneity and joy that catch us off guard and leave a lasting impression. Whether it's Michael Madsen dancing to Stealers Wheel in *Reservoir Dogs* or Jeff Bridges doing the mashed potato in *The Big Lebowski*, these surprise musical interludes bring warmth and humor into otherwise intense or quirky stories.

One of the standout moments in this tradition is the unforgettable lip-sync scene from *The Skeleton Twins*, a 2014 comedy-drama featuring *Saturday Night Live* alums Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Today marks the 10th anniversary of the film’s theatrical release, making it the perfect time to reminisce about its iconic, impromptu musical moment and similar beloved scenes from other indie hits.

Premiering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, *The Skeleton Twins* quickly became a hidden gem, earning the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. The film revealed a different side of Wiig and Hader, known for their comedic genius, as they delved into a bittersweet tale of estranged siblings reunited under difficult circumstances. Despite the film’s heavy subject matter, the lip-sync scene to Starship's “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” remains a jubilant moment that perfectly encapsulates the movie's blend of comedy and emotional depth.

### A Surprise Dance Break in *The Skeleton Twins*

The story of *The Skeleton Twins* follows Maggie (Wiig) and Milo (Hader), twins who have drifted apart over the years. After Milo’s suicide attempt, he moves in with Maggie in Nyack, New York, sparking a reunion that forces both to confront their painful past. As the pair navigate their complex relationship and shared traumas, they experience moments of catharsis, humor, and healing.

Among these moments is the film’s most beloved scene: Milo playfully trying to break the tension with Maggie by lip-syncing to *Starship’s* 80s anthem “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” At first, Maggie resists joining in, but as Milo performs the exaggerated hand gestures and emotions of the song, she can’t help but follow suit. The pair engage in a heartwarming, spontaneous lip-sync session that lightens the heavy emotional load of the film.

This scene stands out because it encapsulates the delicate balance of laughter and pain that *The Skeleton Twins* explores. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, joy can sneak in when we least expect it, giving us a brief respite from life’s weightier issues. For Maggie and Milo, the moment is a lifeline—a small, precious reminder of their connection as siblings despite the trauma they’ve experienced. A Tradition of Musical Surprises in Indie Cinema

While The Skeleton Twins continues to charm a decade later, it's far from the only indie film to sneak in a surprising musical moment. Sundance, a festival known for championing unique and heartfelt storytelling, has been home to several memorable instances of characters spontaneously breaking out in song or dance, adding layers of emotion to their stories.

Here are some other unforgettable Sundance film moments that have captured the magic of surprise musical performances:

- ***Little Miss Sunshine*** (2006): Who could forget Olive Hoover’s (Abigail Breslin) outrageous and heartwarming dance routine to Rick James’ “Super Freak” at a beauty pageant? What starts as a nervous family moment quickly turns into an epic, joyous rebellion against convention.

- ***Once*** (2007): This Irish indie musical tugs at the heartstrings with raw and intimate performances by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The standout scene? Their impromptu duet of “Falling Slowly,” a song that captures the soul of the film and solidified the duo’s Oscar win for Best Original Song.

- ***Sing Street*** (2016): Set in 1980s Dublin, this coming-of-age musical drama is packed with catchy, retro-inspired tunes. The unexpected rooftop performance of “Drive It Like You Stole It” provides a dreamlike escape for the main character, Conor, and lifts the film’s energy to new heights.

- ***La La Land*** (2016): While not a Sundance premiere, *La La Land* takes a page from indie musical traditions. The song “A Lovely Night,” performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, offers a playful and romantic respite from the tension of their evolving relationship, surprising viewers with its charm.

### A Decade of *The Skeleton Twins*: Why the Lip-Sync Scene Endures

Ten years after its release, *The Skeleton Twins* continues to resonate with audiences because of its emotional honesty and subtle blend of humor and heartache. The lip-sync scene to *Starship*’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” has become one of those moments people seek out to watch again and again—a reminder that music has the power to heal and bring people together, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

As we celebrate this film’s 10th anniversary, it's worth reflecting on the enduring power of these surprise musical moments. They serve as emotional lifeboats, giving audiences a break from the seriousness of life while deepening our connection to the characters onscreen. Whether it’s through laughter or tears, these moments remind us of the joy that can be fo

und even when we least expect it.