Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Three Identical Strangers Blu-ray Movie Review

A tragic separation with sinister secrets at its core...

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown August 15, 2023

Good god, what did I just watch? What begins as a seemingly heartwarming (albeit wildly improbable) tale of three identical triplets, separated at birth, finding one another by complete chance in their adult lives soon becomes a shocking story that has to be seen to be believed. It's a plot straight out of a horror movie, with twists and turns that make the term "twists and turns" seem positively inadequate in describing the jaw-dropping revelations that unfold. If Three Identical Strangers were a fictional drama or thriller it would be torn to shreds by critics and audiences alike, criticized for its silly, convoluted third-act developments. There wouldn't be a single person that would be able to suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy its jump-the-shark script. But here it is, in all its true-story glory. Just the facts, ma'am. Reality unfiltered. Presented as it happened. Sure to leave you revisiting your beliefs in the nature vs. nurture debate, pondering topics involving generational mental health, and certain that true evil really does exist in this world.

Happier times...

1980. 19-year-old college freshman Robert Shafran is constantly mistaken for another student named Eddy Galland. Upon seeking out his apparent doppelgänger, the two young men, both adopted, realize they're actually twins who were separated at birth. After the local media picks up the story and publishes photos of Robert and Eddy, though, another young man, David Kellman, notices an uncanny resemblance and, being adopted himself, sets out to meet his apparent long-lost brothers. The three discover they are indeed identical triplets, which on its own would be quite a story. Reunited and excited to make up for lost time, Robert, Eddy and David set out to reclaim the brotherhood they were deprived of for so many years.

But questions inevitably begin to arise, and no one in the boys' lives seem eager to offer up answers. Three sets of adoptive parents and... none of them seem very helpful when it comes to providing information. Are they hiding something? Or are they just as confused by the realization that their sons are separated triplets? Why were they separated? Why weren't they ever made aware of one another? And those are just the basics. Each question begs another and soon a mystery unfolds that leaves you with a sense of impending dread; one that warns you may not want to know the answers after all. Are there more mysteries left open than closed? Definitely. But that's hardly the fault of the documentary filmmakers. If there's an answer to be had, it's shared. If not, well... you'll be left wondering. Maddening? A bit. But well worth the time invested.

If only the reuniting of brothers were the end of things. Thankfully there's no ball-drop to be had concerning Robert, Eddy and David themselves. They aren't mistaken. They really are brothers. None of the three are con men, or up to no good. There's no stunning turn of events where one of the brothers are revealed to be a serial killer, or one ends up killing the others, or something concerning criminal pasts or secrets. In fact, if you try to guess where Three Identical Strangers is going to go, you'll soon enough find out whatever you thought was utterly wrong.

And that's the joy -- or rather horror -- of the film. To discuss the surreal story any further would be to give up the goods and there's nothing like a good gut-punch of a documentary to transform a movie into an experience. (Dear Zachary is an even more disarming documentary that immediately comes to mind.) My advice? Don't read anything else about Three Identical Strangers. Don't watch the trailer. Go in as blind as possible. The power is in the unpredictability and the surprise, so sustain the surprise and grab this one while it's at such a great pricepoint. You won't regret it.

Three Identical Strangers Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Like most documentaries of its nature, Three Identical Strangers is a patchwork of old footage, photographs and talking-head interviews. Universal's 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation handles it all in stride. There's not much in the way of striking visuals here but it's competent enough, without any major transfer-related issues. There are a host of anomalies in the dated home video footage, news clips and other imagery but that's par for the course. Colors are solid, contrast is dialed in nicely, black levels are deep and detail is as revealing as each source allows. No one comes to a documentary looking for a high definition standard so I doubt anyone will be disappointed with the results.

Three Identical Strangers Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Universal's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is a dialogue driven affair, with interviews, narration and more. There's little in the way of rear speaker engagement, directional effects or soundfield wizardry. There are some moments that deliver a fuller sound experience -- familiar songs, bustling streets, passing traffic, and other nice touches -- but otherwise this is simply a documentary mix presented without distraction or notable flaw. Voices are clean and clear, never tinny or muffled, and music never overpowers. The songs are the sonic highlight of the track, though that's not saying a lot. There's not much more worth mentioning and there certainly aren't any serious issues to report.

Three Identical Strangers Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio Commentary - Director Tim Wardle and editor Michael Harte deliver something rare for a documentary: a filmmakers' commentary. Surprisingly brimming with insight and detail, particularly as it pertains into the investigation that allowed them to piece together the documentary, the interview process, and finding a way to weave the narrative together that wouldn't overwhelm or lose viewers. It's a track worthy of a listen.

• Director Q&A (HD, 16 minutes) - An opening night Q&A with Wardle and two of the brothers.

• Photo Gallery (HD)

• Universal Previews (HD)

Three Identical Strangers Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I've already said too much. If you haven't watched Three Identical Strangers, just add it to your cart and go along for the ride, blind as possible. Universal's Blu-ray release makes it even easier to purchase on a whim thanks to a solid AV presentation and an equally solid pair of special features. Highly recommended.