Mistaken For Strangers

It's a real testament to Tom Berninger, as yet unfamous brother of Matt Berninger lead singer of The National, that his documentary, which largely finds him berated by his brother, family, and band staff for his 'lack of focus', is in fact so much more than a rock documentary. And, further to that, that it's much less about The National than you'd expect, and much more interesting for it.

An earnest, and wonderfully endearing film, Mistaken For Strangers is an invincible ode to all little brothers out there, to all siblings in shadow. The down-and-out Tom, by nature a much wilder and sensitive character than his famous brother, struggles with the band on tour, clashes with the group of elite professionals he finds himself fumbling to impress and interview, but, against their expectations, ends up making a beautiful film about his love for his older brother, and too, for his dreams of himself creating something lasting.