Three Identical Strangers

Three Identical Strangers is one of those films where it’s best to know as little as possible about it going in.

Presented in a compelling manner by British director Tim Wardle, the documentary centers on New York triplets Robert Shafran, Eddy Galland and David Kellman, who were separated at birth and reunited 19 years later through extraordinary means.

Similar to an especially engaging circus sideshow, it’s easy to get lost in the wonder of photos and archival footage of the three brothers together as the eye can’t help but dart between their matching physiques and faces, attempting to find minute differences while simultaneously taking the trio in as a single unit.

The decision to employ historical reenactments proves hit-or-miss, but they keep the storytelling active and are bolstered by interviews with family members, friends and important peripheral figures.

Unusual as the triplets’ story is, the turn Three Identical Strangers takes when certain revelations are brought forth makes it even wilder, significantly shifts the film’s tone and is handled by Wardle with murder mystery aplomb.

The gasps that these twists are likely to induce in a theater makes the film one of 2018’s must-see cinematic experiences, nearly on par with the audience-wide silence inspired by A Quiet Place.

Grade: B-plus. Rated PG-13. Stars July 20 at Carolina Cinemark and Grail Moviehouse

(Photo: Neon)