Three Identical Strangers

Although it's sometimes a little slow and predictable, this intriguing documentary excels in its relentless attention to detail, which will keep viewers watching and waiting for more. With its well-developed subjects, Three Identical Strangers gives depth to a conspiracy of mind-boggling proportions. The re-enactments of events throughout the film are particularly compelling, helping to bring some of the most sinister parts of this incredible story to life. But at its heart, the movie's real value lies in its ability to encourage viewers to ask deep, nuanced questions about society and human nature. Difficult topics like nature vs. nurture, human suffering for the sake of scientific discovery, Jewish-American identity struggles after WWII, and mental illness are presented in a very accessible way. That said, however, the documentary takes a pretty obvious stance on these matters by focusing heavily on the brothers' emotional experiences and, at times, seems to skimp on providing objective information, which will undoubtedly impact viewers' perceptions of the complex topics it's tackling.

And while interviews with other sets of twins who were affected by these events help illustrate the story's wider implications, they distract from telling the less appealing aspects of the triplets' lives and leave viewers with more questions than answers. Some might even interpret the film's conclusions as coming dangerously close to aligning with an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. But overall, this is a worthwhile film about an astounding series of events that raises important questions about family, free will, and the ethics of scientific research.