Synopsis
During the Great Depression, identical twins are separated at birth. One, Drexel Hemsley becomes a wildly successful '50s rock star, while the other, Ryan Wade, struggles to balance his passion for music and pleasing his parents, who want him to become a preacher. Finally, Ryan rebels against his parents' wishes and launches his own music career -- performing the hits of Drexel Hemsley. Ryan later learns the truth about Drexel when their fates tragically collide.
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Cast
- Blake RayneRyan Wade / Drexel Hemsley
- Ashley JuddLouise Wade
- Ray LiottaReece Wade
- Amanda CrewHelen Hemsley
- Seth GreenDino
- Danny WoodburnDamon
- Brian GeraghtyWilliam Hemsley
- Joe PantolianoAvi Hirshberg
- Erin CottrellJenny O'Brien
- Waylon PayneTony Nash
Recommendations
- 50
The A.V. Club
It’s the kind of curio that’s arguably more interesting to think about than to watch — a plodding melodrama that mixes royalty-free Elvis worship with preachy proselytizing. - 40
The Hollywood Reporter
This passably palatable film never hits any real high notes. - 32
Film.com
Embarrassing and weird. - 30
Village Voice
A cardboard cutout of a movie. - 30
The Dissolve
Even allowing The Identical its premise, the reframing of the Elvis myth as a wholesome example of following God’s plan is not as inspirational as the film seems to believe. Rock fantasies are rarely this milquetoast. - 25
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
A musical mashup of Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis biography and myth, The Identical plays like a failed faith-based “Inside Llewyn Davis.” And that’s the closest thing to a compliment it will get. - 25
New York Post
When the legend of Elvis is reimagined as a mushy Christian heartwarmer in The Identical, it’s as if “Boogie Nights” is playing in the background while we hear about the life story of Edna, Dirk Diggler’s nice librarian cousin from Idaho. - 25
Chicago Tribune
Playing the title role as well as the Dream role, real-life Elvis tribute artist Blake Rayne is more convincing when he's singing than when he isn't. But he has little to explore beyond bashful smiles.
