This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.

alternate title: Science Is A Liar Sometimes

lol the mean german lady

Truly fascinating. And frustrating. I'm sure a follow-up is on the way.

Watched on a DVD screener.

allow me to just [unhinges jaw and screams into the void]

Wow, I was going to make this a review with spoilers, but I’m writing it on my phone and it’s not giving me the option.

So bear with me. 

It seems that most of the story is given away in the trailer, but the documentary goes far deeper than that. Much like Errol Morris’ Tabloid, once you don’t think I can get any crazier, it does.

It also explored nature vs. nurture pretty well. On the outside, the three identical brothers seemed identical on a superficial level. As they dug deeper, the differences between the triplets and how they were raised was astounding. Several genetic factors played a part in how they turned out, but the different environments also proved to be a huge consideration. 

The editing, pacing, and careful unveiling of surprises was done in an immaculate manner.

This was the 252nd film I saw using Movie Pass.

Beautiful, then heartbreaking, then beautiful, then insane, then beautiful, etc etc

The story was insane but that didn’t make the doc good , felt like the film relied on the shock factor of the story to make it ‘good.’ I didn’t really like how repetitive it got.

I see two mes and three when there is a mirror, what am i?

Fascinating.

?¿?

I wasn’t remotely ready for the feelings this made me feel. Powerful, compelling, fascinating. Heartwarming and soul crushing. 

Liked the heavily Nicholas Britell inspired score. Listen to the piece at the end, it’s basically a copy of The Middle of the World from Moonlight, but hey, Nicholas Britell Is incredible so I won’t complain.

Edit: so the piece that’s similar is called Three Identical Strangers by Paul Saunderson. Compare 1:56 in that piece to around 0:39 of The Middle of the World by Britell. I think Saunderson is a Moonlight fan.

i was NOT emotionally prepared for where this documentary was taking me. while my life is nowhere near as astonishing or ludicrous as the triplets' was, watching this induced me into reflecting on my own familial circumstances wherein i found similarities to eddy's upbringing regarding not feeling like you fit into the dynamic and feeling out of place and unable to vocalise your problems. i won't be able to get this film out of my head for quite some time.

Interesting, sad story that could have been picked apart more and been more interrogative / critical of participants.

Tired of documentaries that think and interesting subject or unique archival footage is good enough; where’s the ambition gone to make a Good Film? 

The format is tired af.

An interesting documentary revolving around interesting ethical dilemmas encapsulated within an emotional story. However ultimately it fails to make a truly impactful statement.