Twins have a conjoined identity. Dizygotic ones are cursed and blessed for life. But what about the loneliness within the fables of magic with the same face. Shot in almost complete winter, blustery climates, I know this much is true is about twins who have had a harrowing life till the time we are introduced to them. Like most good mini-series this one is layered, has multiple characters clinging on to the two main characters — The Twins, more specifically Thomas and Dominick Birdsey. Based on a novel of the same the story is based in 1990s in Connecticut where these two brothers have been living all their lives. The series separates a culmination of a myriad of things orchestrated by Thomas over the past many years.
Right at the outset, we realize Dominick is the one who is the saner of the two twins quite literally while Ruffalo’s portrayal of the mentally ill, supremely suffering Thomas is the one that draws you into this series. Ruffalo packs a punch in a tale laden with the story going back and forth between the past, present and the unsolved future that lies ahead of his traumatized twin for whom he feels responsible. There is enough and more reason for you the viewer to remain hooked here albeit an extremely dour, sullen, dejected and depressing setting of the world the characters here operate in. You feel for Dominick, you want to help him out but a part of you isn’t sure if he is by any way responsible for the plight of Thomas. Generally conjoint identities suffer identity crisis when left by themselves, Thomas cannot endure most of what life throws at him and he clearly has a harsher life due to the eccentricities that he has. But a lot of his shape in life comes from brutality at home, punitive punishment routines from an abusive stepfather and a common theme of bullying throughout his life.
I didn’t enjoy Episode 1, thankfully I stayed put for the main course to come my way which is all of the next 5 episodes. A parallel ancient personal history that runs deep today talking about family, relationships, betrayal and offers some sort of closure although too late for any redemption. This is a story about personal loss and also the burden of unknown that we often carry in our life. Sometimes the unknown truth is far more comforting than the known devil. You feel invested in the story because it is extremely unfair to Thomas. You are rooting for Dominick to salvage whatever is left of the slightest ray of sunshine that Thomas could possibly have. The music remains a part of the tale, quite literally unheard except for moments where you feel this is exactly what should have played in the background but the aesthetic of the sets, the house, the facility centre, the weather this series is shot in play separate characters pivotal to the success of the narrative. They work in tandem to give us an enthrallingly lost story of belief and hope.
