Tell Me Who I Am

Tell Me Who I Am is a gripping and emotional documentary film that explores the complexities of memory, identity, and trauma. The movie, which was released in 2019, is directed by Ed Perkins and tells the true story of twin brothers Alex and Marcus Lewis.

The movie starts with Alex waking up from a coma at the age of 18, having lost all his memories of his past. His twin brother Marcus becomes his sole source of information about their family, friends, and childhood. Marcus paints a vivid and idyllic picture of their upbringing, and Alex is eager to believe that everything happened as his brother describes.

However, as time passes, Alex starts to have nagging doubts about the veracity of his brother's stories. He begins to notice discrepancies and unexplainable gaps in his memories. When he confronts Marcus, his brother drops a bombshell – an explosive secret about their family's past that shatters Alex's understanding of who he is and where he comes from.

The remainder of the movie follows Alex as he tries to come to terms with the revelations and the impact they have on his relationships with his brother and the rest of his family. He must confront the trauma of his past and reconcile it with the life he has built for himself.

The documentary is a powerful exploration of the connections between memory and identity. The movie questions how much of our sense of self is rooted in our memories and how much is constructed through the stories we tell ourselves and others. The movie is also an examination of trauma and the consequences of burying painful memories. It asks viewers to consider whether it is ethical to withhold crucial information from someone, even if it may spare them pain or protect them from a difficult truth.

In addition to the emotional and psychological themes, the movie also offers stunning cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful score by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans. The film uses reenactments to convey Alex's memories, and the result is a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both ethereal and unsettling.

The movie's greatest strength is its focus on Alex and his journey of self-discovery. The audience experiences the revelations and the pain along with him, and we cannot help but empathize with his struggle. Andrew Caley, who portrays Alex, delivers a powerful and nuanced performance that captures the complexity of his character's emotions.

Overall, Tell Me Who I Am is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll. The movie raises profound questions about memory, identity, and the human capacity for healing and forgiveness.