Three Identical Strangers

Three Identical Strangers

Three Identical Strangers is a documentary film released in 2018, directed by Tim Wardle. The film explores the incredible true story of three young men, Robert Shafran, Eddy Galland, and David Kellman, who were separated at birth and adopted by three different families. Their reunion at the age of 19 sparked a global media frenzy and uncovered a secret that would transform their lives and challenge our understanding of nature versus nurture.

Synopsis

In 1980, Robert Shafran arrives at Sullivan County Community College in New York for his freshman year, only to be mistaken for Eddy Galland by fellow students. The confusion leads to the discovery that they are identical twins separated at birth. Their story captures the public's imagination, and they are featured in various media outlets. This publicity leads to the discovery of a third brother, David Kellman, completing the set of identical triplets.

As the brothers get to know each other, they find they share many similarities, despite being raised in different environments. They enjoy a brief period of celebrity, making appearances on talk shows and even opening a restaurant together named "Triplets". However, as they delve into the reasons behind their separation, they uncover a dark experiment at the heart of their story.

Background

The triplets were part of a secret study on twins and adoption conducted by Peter Neubauer, a psychoanalyst who sought to explore the nature versus nurture debate by separating identical siblings at birth and placing them in different family environments. The study was never published, and the brothers were unaware of their participation until they were adults.

Reception

Three Identical Strangers received critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and ethical questions it raises about scientific research and the rights of individuals. It won several awards and nominations, including a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.

Impact

The film brought significant attention to the ethical considerations of adoption practices and psychological experiments. It sparked discussions about the importance of genetic heritage, the impact of upbringing, and the moral responsibilities of researchers. The brothers' story is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between genetics and environment in human development.

See Also

• Nature versus nurture
• Twin studies
• Adoption
• Ethics in psychology