There's a curiously retro look to "twin falls idaho." But that's definitely the only thing that is old-fashioned about this odd, yet oddly appealing fantasy-drama.

In fact, in terms of its look, the film resembles nothing more than the works of eccentric filmmaker David Lynch, and, to a degree, David Cronenberg's cult film, "Dead Ringers."

And though "twin falls idaho" does feature more warmth and humanity than you might expect from a movie with such a pedigree, there is still a brooding aloofness to some of the performances that audience members may find off-putting. The quirky yet insightful material will likely consign this one to cult status.

What's so astonishing is that the film comes from first-time filmmakers Mark and Michael Polish, real-life identical twins who wrote the screenplay and star as the main characters, the conjoined Falls twins, who have come to New York City in search of their biological mother.

Instead, what Blake (Mark) and Francis (Michael, who also directed) manage to find is temporary housing in the shady and rundown Hotel Idaho. They also find more than they bargained for in the person of Penny (Michele Hicks), a prostitute whose "services" they enlist.

Initially she is repulsed by the twins, who are joined at the chest and hip, but later she offers them assistance when Francis falls ill. And as she gets to know them, Penny finds her thoughts returning to Blake, the more outgoing of the two.

In spite of her reservations, as well as those of her friends, Penny continues to visit the twins and tries to aid in their efforts to find their mother (Lesley Ann Warren), even as Francis' health continues to deteriorate.

With such a story line, the film could have become either conventional and sappy or too bizarre for its own good. But the actors-screenwriters have managed to make a grounded film with solid characterizations, and they've also allowed some dark comic elements to seep in.

Though it's more character-driven than plot-driven, the film moves along so briskly that it scarcely feels like it's even 105 minutes long. Strong performances by the Polish twins certainly help, especially Mark, who is surprisingly charismatic. (But both are perfectly awkward in a terrific scene in which the twins sing and play a guitar.)

Hicks, a former model, is more problematic. At times she seems like she's fumbling to find the right emotion. And some of her line readings are so stiff they sound almost robotic.

Fortunately, the film has a talented supporting cast. Warren and William Katt are good in limited screen time, and "Saturday Night Live" alum Garrett Morris steals a scene in what is basically a glorified cameo.

Kudos should also go to effects man Gary J. Tunnicliffe, whose makeup designs for the twins's shared attributes aren't outlandishly gruesome but are still realistic.

"twins falls idaho" is rated R for scattered profanities (including the R-rated one), some crude sexual talk and humor and a brief scuffle between the twins.