Three Identical Strangers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three guys meet, realize they’re triplets separated at birth, become famous, and then discover their lives were a social experiment gone wrong; basically, a very depressing reality show episode.

🍿 Three Identical Strangers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Accidental Reunion

In 1980, Robert Shafran arrives at Sullivan County Community College and is immediately greeted by strangers who mistake him for Eddy Galland. Intrigued, Robert investigates and discovers Eddy, his identical twin. Their story quickly gains media attention. Soon after, David Kellman sees a news article about Robert and Eddy and realizes he’s their triplet brother, separated at birth.

Fame and Fortune

The triplets’ reunion becomes a national sensation. They appear on talk shows, become minor celebrities, and even have a cameo in the movie *Desperately Seeking Susan*. Capitalizing on their newfound fame, they open a successful restaurant called ‘Triplets Roumanian Steak House’ in New York City. They revel in their shared experiences and uncanny similarities, enjoying the spotlight and the bond they’d been denied for so long.

Unraveling the Truth

Beneath the surface of their joyous reunion, questions arise about why they were separated at birth and why their adoptive parents were never informed they were triplets. As they delve deeper, they uncover a disturbing secret: their separation was part of a scientific study conducted by the Louise Wise Services adoption agency and psychiatrist Dr. Peter Neubauer. The study aimed to explore the effects of nature versus nurture by placing the triplets in different socioeconomic environments.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert Shafran (Robert Shafran): One of the triplets separated at birth, who rediscovers his brothers and seeks answers about their separation and the study they were unknowingly a part of.
• David Kellman (David Kellman): Another of the triplets separated at birth, who experiences the joy of reunion but also grapples with the disturbing truth behind their upbringing.
• Eddy Galland (Eddy Galland): The third triplet separated at birth, whose life takes a tragic turn, highlighting the complex interplay of nature and nurture.
• Lawrence Wright (Lawrence Wright): The journalist whose investigation uncovers the unsettling details of the experiment that separated the triplets, playing a crucial role in exposing the truth.
• Howard Schneider (Howard Schneider): A Newsday reporter involved in the initial story about the triplets’ reunion, later delving deeper into the circumstances of their separation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robert Shafran: “When I tell people my story, they don’t believe it. I guess I wouldn’t believe the story if someone else were telling it, but , I’m telling it and it’s true, every word of it.” – Expresses the sheer incredulity and unbelievable nature of the events that unfolded in his life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $12.3M
• Worldwide Gross: $13.4M

💥 Three Identical Strangers Reviews

Personal Review

This documentary was a total rollercoaster. The beginning was so joyful and heartwarming, like a real-life fairy tale. I was smiling from ear to ear seeing the triplets reunite and instantly click. But then, wow, it took such a dark turn! The revelation about the experiment was shocking and honestly made me angry. I found myself really feeling for these guys and the emotional impact it had on their lives. Definitely a must-see, but be prepared for some heavy stuff.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Documentary enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in psychology and human behavior”
  • “Those fascinated by true crime and mysteries”
  • “Individuals interested in adoption stories and family dynamics”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide”
  • “Discussion of mental health issues”
  • “Ethical concerns related to scientific research”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Rollingstone.com: “A disturbing and thought-provoking documentary that explores the ethics of human experimentation and the impact of nature vs. nurture, it raises essential questions about free will and the responsibilities of science. Though the structure is flawed, the central story is undeniably gripping, and the film sparks conversation.
• N/A: “A gripping and heart-wrenching documentary that starts like a fairy tale and descends into a dark ethical morass. The film explores the power of nature versus nurture while questioning the ethics of scientific research. Though sometimes manipulative in its presentation, the subject matter is undeniably fascinating.
• N/A: “While the story itself is captivating, the film’s structure feels manipulated and sensational. The movie teases information to maximize shock value instead of soberly discussing human research morality. A compelling but flawed documentary.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were captivated by the initial joy and brotherhood of the triplets’ reunion.: The film’s ability to evoke strong emotions and spark conversation about ethics and human nature was widely praised.

The disturbing turn the story takes left audiences shocked and questioning the morality of the experiment.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s exploration of nature vs. nurture, but felt the documentary could have provided more scientific context.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and disturbing documentary that explores the extraordinary story of three identical triplets separated at birth and used in a secret scientific study. It raises complex ethical questions and sparks intense emotional reactions, though some find the presentation manipulative.

Awards

1. Special Jury Award for Storytelling (Sundance Film Festival)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The study that separated the triplets was never published, and the records were sealed at Yale University until 2066.”
• “Director Tim Wardle initially thought the story was going to be a lighthearted reunion tale, but soon uncovered a much darker and complex truth.”
• “The film features archival footage from talk shows like Phil Donahue and Tom Brokaw, showcasing the triplets’ initial media frenzy.”
• “The restaurant the triplets opened, ‘Triplets Roumanian Steak House,’ became a popular spot in New York City before internal conflicts led to its closure.”

🖥️ How to Watch Three Identical Strangers?

Three Identical Strangers is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential streaming options or physical media availability. For viewers outside the US, availability may vary; consult local streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Three Identical Strangers, you might like these similar films:

• The Twinning Reaction (2023): It involves the study of twins in the same vein as Three Identical Strangers, but focusing on the long term health effects.
• The Boys From Brazil (1978): Deals with the unsettling premise of human experimentation and the nature vs. nurture debate, albeit in a fictionalized and thriller-esque context.
• Crimes of the Future (2022): Looks into human evolution and medical experiments with a dark edge.
• Mommy Dead and Dearest (2017): Explores a disturbing family dynamic and uncovers hidden secrets, presenting a true-crime narrative with shocking revelations.

🛒 Three Identical Strangers Related Products

• Adoption: What You Should Know: An Adoptive Parent’s Perspective About the Complex Issues Surrounding Adoption: This helpful guide navigates the complexities of adoption, providing emotional support and valuable strategies for a smoother journey. Provides new adoptive parents a better understanding of adoption’s potential emotional and psychological effects on the child.
• DNA Testing Kit for Ancestry & Health: Dive deep into your family history and health predispositions with this comprehensive DNA testing kit. Uncover your ancestry composition by percentages, learn about your family history, and discover potential genetic health risks to better prepare for your future. Perfect for understanding your heritage like the triplets in the movie, with health insights.
• The Divided Self: An Existential Study in Sanity and Madness: Considered a modern classic, this seminal work explores the themes of identity, alienation, and the search for meaning, reflecting the psychological struggles faced by the triplets.
• Memory Foam Twin Mattress Topper: Enhance your sleep experience with this plush memory foam mattress topper, providing extra comfort and support. Designed to conform to your body, it ensures a restful night’s sleep. Like finding a perfect fit, this offers comfort and helps you wake up refreshed.

🎧 Soundtrack

Three Identical Strangers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Since You Been Gone” – performed by Rainbow

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Unbelievable Way 3 Men Found Out They Were Triplets Separated As Babies | Megyn Kelly TODAY

Ever wonder what it was like for the triplets to find each other after being separated at birth? This interview gives you the inside scoop straight from two of the brothers – their story is truly unbelievable!

Three Identical Strangers Is MESSED UP – Let Me Explain

The ending of ‘Three Identical Strangers’ is seriously messed up, right? This video breaks down why it’s so disturbing and what it all really means – you’ll be thinking about it for days!

Journalist On Discovering The Study Of The ‘Three Identical Strangers’ Triplets | Megyn Kelly TODAY

Want to know the real story behind the study that separated the triplets? This interview with the journalist who broke the story is shocking – you won’t believe what they uncovered!

Adult Twins, Separated at Birth, Have Emotional Reunion

If the triplets’ story got to you, check out this video of twins who were separated at birth and reunited as adults – get ready for some serious waterworks! It really shows how strong that twin bond is.

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