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Parents' Guide to

Tell Me Who I Am

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Intense docu about twin brothers has violence, cursing.

Movie NR 2019 85 minutes
Tell Me Who I Am Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 17+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 16+

Powerful...there are no words

A stunner of a film. Harrowing, difficult to watch at times, but the strength and power of love shared by these brothers is palpable. To share their vulnerabilities in a sincere fashion is harrowing and moving. An understated cinematography allows for richness in symbolism and the stark camera work allows for us to feel more intimately involved with the brothers. Powerful.
age 18+

Amazingly horrible ordeal

I wouldn't want kids to watch this - I dont see how this would be of any benefit but for adults it's a must!! What makes it special & profound is how two twin boys who experienced the same ordeals (I won't ruin the documentary)sent them on two different journeys which ultimately gives two perspectives. It deals with child abuse and what is special about the way this documentary is delivered is it shows how there can be a divide. From someone who has been so emotionally impacted to another who can only go on how it must have felt without being attached to the real memories of something horrific. It plays out in front of your very eyes-the heart wrenching pain of one twin who wants to protect the other. It shows you just how other people can be the enablers- the father and friends -which an abuser needs if they are to get away with anything.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This documentary is an extraordinary piece of filmmaking. Director Ed Perkins recognized in the book Tell Me Who I Am by Alex and Marcus Lewis a horror story almost too strange and dramatically rich to be true. The sense of impending doom is skillfully established in Tell Me Who I Am's early moments -- a memory-wiping motorcycle accident is recalled, and a kindly brother helps his twin re-enter his forgotten life. But is the story he offers true? What is Marcus hiding from his brain-injured brother? This set of actual facts are ripe for actors and a fictionalized script, but it's unlikely that any other film about these two men could be better or more moving than this one. Because of its disturbing content this documentary is best for mature teens and up.

Movie Details

  • On DVD or streaming: October 18, 2019
  • Director: Ed Perkins
  • Studio: Netflix
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Run time: 85 minutes
  • MPAA rating: NR
  • Last updated: February 18, 2023

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