What we flagged
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Our take
Two brothers try to piece together a childhood one of them cannot remember. Tell Me Who I Am is mostly interviews and photographs, but their account of childhood sexual abuse is direct and deeply upsetting. There is strong language and discussion of suicidal thoughts. We would keep this for 17 and up.
Uplifting themes
Telling the truth, even when it hurts, helps the brothers reconnect and begin to heal. The film shows how strong their bond is The twins stand by each other through a painful process, and both show honesty and persistence. Some adults in their lives failed them badly Gives an honest look at how childhood abuse, memory loss, and secrecy can affect adults. It may help older teens and adults talk about trauma and how to get help
Story (may spoil tone)
In this documentary, Alex trusts his twin, Marcus, to tell him about his past after he loses his memory. But Marcus is hiding a dark family secret.
Details
Language The f-word is used frequently by the brothers and others when they talk…
The f-word is used frequently by the brothers and others when they talk about anger, betrayal, and wasted years. Some sentences are shouted or sobbed
Sex / nudity Sexual objects in the family home and naked photographs taken of the bo…
Sexual objects in the family home and naked photographs taken of the boys as children come up in the interviews. The talk is frank and disturbing for any age
Frightening Tense revelations and dark family memories, along with a house that hol…
Tense revelations and dark family memories, along with a house that holds painful secrets, create unease in several scenes. There are no jump scares
Self-harm / suicide One of the men says he had suicidal thoughts during a very low period i…
One of the men says he had suicidal thoughts during a very low period in his life. No method is described, and the moment is brief, though it may hit hard for some viewers
Sexual violence The brothers describe being sexually abused as children by adults close…
The brothers describe being sexually abused as children by adults close to the family, in direct and upsetting interviews. The film does not show it happening, but the details are heavy and the abuse is the heart of the story
Child peril / abuse Two boys grow up in a home where they are neglected, manipulated, and k…
Two boys grow up in a home where they are neglected, manipulated, and kept silent by the adults meant to protect them. The harm shapes the rest of their lives
Mental health Trauma, shame, memory loss, and years of depression shape both brothers…
Trauma, shame, memory loss, and years of depression shape both brothers' lives. Therapy and honest talk are shown as part of healing, but the pain is raw
Grief / bereavement A funeral and the sense of lost decades run through the film, and the b…
A funeral and the sense of lost decades run through the film, and the brothers mourn what was taken from them. Several scenes show tears, anger, and deep sorrow
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
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Talk after watching
- The brothers choose to tell the truth even though it hurts. What might help someone find the courage to speak about something painful?
- How can secrets in a family affect people for many years afterward?
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Tell Me Who I Am
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