Tell Me Who I Am

Tell Me Who I Am is an emotionally gripping documentary film directed by Ed Perkins and released in 2019. The film shines a light on the life-altering experiences of twin brothers Alex and Marcus Lewis and features Andrew Caley. Incorporating elements of tragedy, mystery, resilience, and revelation, Tell Me Who I Am navigates a labyrinth of lost memories and shocking revelations, which profoundly affect the lives of those involved.

The film begins with a traumatic event that figures as a primary thread throughout the entirety of the narrative. After a horrific motorcycle accident at the young age of 18, Alex Lewis wakes up from a coma to a world he can't recognize - the only thing he remembers is his twin brother, Marcus. As Alex grapples with severe memory loss, Marcus becomes his only link to his past and his primary source of information about the world around him.

Over time, Marcus teaches Alex everything he knows, including about their family history, their life, and the world they live in. Marcus becomes Alex’s anchor in his personal sea of uncertainty. However, the loving image Marcus paints of their family hides something much sinister that isn't revealed until decades later. As adults, the cosmos of family secrets begin to unravel, shaking the trust and bond that the twins share.

Andrew Caley, who provides voiceover in the film, adds depth to the Lewis brothers' poignant and heartbreaking journey. His narration pushes the film forward, complementing the narratives provided by the brothers. It is his voice that fills in the gaps, providing a third-party perspective into the devastating and complicated circumstances that unfold.

This documentary is an insightful examination of the nature of memory, identity, and truth. It holds space to explore the psychological impacts of trauma, uncovering the lengths to which the human spirit will go to protect itself. As the title “Tell Me Who I Am” suggests, the film delves into complex questions about self-discovery and the reliance on others to form one’s understanding of the past and oneself.

Director Ed Perkins mixes traditional documentary interviews with dramatic reenactments and archived footage to create a profound narrative that is as mesmerizing as it is disturbing. The technique of cutting back and forth between the present-day interviews and the past intensifies the emotional impact, capturing the essence of the twins' somewhat distorted, opaque sibling dynamic. The film also leverages hauntingly beautiful cinematography, which adds a layer of aesthetic pleasure to the intense narrative.

As Marcus and Alex trudge through their painful past, they illuminate the profound connection between twins, the complexities of love, and the power of truth. The film explores the moral gray areas of deceit and loyalty and questions the burdens and responsibilities that come with love.

Though primarily a heartbreaking story, Tell Me Who I Am is also a testament to the human capacity for resilience, love, and forgiveness. It explores the brothers' navigation through the murky waters of their devastating past to redefine their brotherhood and reconstruct a shared future. The viewer is taken on an emotional roller-coaster throughout, encompassing shock, dismay, confusion, stress, and relief.

Despite focusing on such a personal story, Tell Me Who I Am holds universal appeal. It asks far-reaching questions about memory, identity, honesty, and the lengths to which one would go to protect a loved one.

Providing a rich, complex exploration of deception, familial relationships, tragedy, and inescapable truth, Tell Me Who I Am is a haunting and unforgettable documentary that leaves a profound impact.

Whether it’s the moral ambivalence or the exploration of memory and identity, the documentary addresses multiple layers of human existence that are relatable enough to resonate with a broad audience. It pulls the viewers into the whirlpool of its plot twist and turns, leaving a mark not just as a stunning film, but also as a poignant life story.

Overall, Tell Me Who I Am stands as a solemn story of resilience, truth, memory, and the depths and complexities of brotherhood. It is a story of shocking revelations, deceit, love, trust, healing, and the struggle to reclaim fragmented identities. It's a must-watch, destined to leave the viewer contemplating long after the credits roll.