Identical is a movie that will surprise you, on many levels. Every 10 minutes or so, there’s a disturbance of some kind, an unexpected event, which thwarts all pre-existing narrative trajectory out of orbit, spiraling viewers into a realm of uncertainty and continuing fascination. It’s fresh, artful, complex, dark and twisted, and yet, wholesomely entertaining. Be prepared for an intense experience, with powerhouse performances, intelligent twists and turns, a riveting sense of unease and suspense, with well-rounded character work that gives this whole psychological labyrinth a hue of truth and humanity. It is an independent film that sets example and offers encouragement to all us aspiring indie-filmmakers; no matter the circumstance, the difficulties, or the limitations, with a good enough story, a first-rate cast and a vigorous vision, it’s all possible.
Writing this review is doubly beguiling for me, both as a member of the audience and a filmmaker myself. I came out of the theatre completely satisfied. “Identical” takes you on a dark and complex ride of identity, betrayal, and sibling rivalry. The premise of the movie sets the tone and intricacy of the narrative by itself: two identical twin brothers fall for the same woman. But of course, it’s so, so much more than that. It’s a morality tale about identity, obsession, greed, redemption, and reality. Two identical twin brothers are born, and, to keep in touch with the whole mythology of it, one is good and one is evil. The film begins with a gorgeous prologue sequence that sets the film’s tone, and the narrative’s main conflict. Young actor Aaron Refvem is pitch-perfect in embodying both personalities, making the prologue one of the film’s strongest segments. Keep this name in mind, you'll be hearing great things about this kid very very soon, I'm sure of it.