Mistaken for Strangers

Critics Consensus

A suitably complicated look at fraternal bonds, Mistaken for Strangers offers more depth and insight than the usual tour documentary.

92%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 61

85%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 2,837
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Movie Info

Hailed by Michael Moore as "one of the best documentaries about a band that I've ever seen" and by Pitchfork as "the funniest, most meta music movie since SPINAL TAP," MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS is a truly hilarious and touching film about two brothers, Matt and Tom Berninger. Matt, the lead singer of the critically acclaimed rock band The National, finally finds himself flush with success. His younger brother Tom is a loveable slacker - a filmmaker and metal-head still living with his parents in Cincinnati. On the eve of The National's biggest tour to date, Matt invites Tom to work for the band as a roadie, unaware of Tom's plan to film the entire adventure. What starts as a rock documentary quickly becomes a crowd-pleasing journey about family, ambition, and the creative process. (c) American Mary

Cast

Matt Berninger
Scott Devendorf
Bryan Devendorf
The National
Tom Berninger
Bryce Dessner
Aaron Dessner
Carin Besser
Barack Obama
Brandon Reid
Isla Berninger
Paul Berninger
Nancy Berninger
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News & Interviews for Mistaken for Strangers

Critics Consensus: Noah is a Fresh Take on an Old Tale
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Critic Reviews for Mistaken for Strangers

All Critics (61) | Top Critics (21) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (5)

View All Critic Reviews (61)

Audience Reviews for Mistaken for Strangers

  • Jul 23, 2017
    I'm not a huge supporter of music documentaries but this was very interesting. The brother lost in the limelight and struggling to find his own place may sound tiresome but this film has a lot of heart. The behind the scenes portrait of one of the greatest and critically acclaimed bands of the last ten years. The film is overly long and never over stays its welcome, the interaction between the brothers are very hilarious and uncomfortable at times. The scene where the older brother is questioning why the younger brother has left a bowl of cereal in the bathroom is priceless. By the end you are swept up in the brothers search for meaning and are provided insight into a band who has managed to avoid mainstream popularity for their duration. 21-07-2017.
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Jul 30, 2014
    A captivating rock-doc that begins rather clumsy but later grows to become a surprisingly revealing portrait of a man who has always felt diminished compared to his successful brother - who happens to be the lead singer of a fantastic indie rock band of worldwide reputation.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
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