Mistaken for Strangers is a 2013 American documentary film directed by Tom Berninger, chronicling his experiences as a roadie for the indie rock band The National, fronted by his older brother, Matt Berninger. The film explores the complex relationship between the two brothers, one achieving widespread critical and commercial success, and the other grappling with his own artistic ambitions and perceived failures.
The documentary follows Tom as he is invited by his brother Matt to join The National on their high-profile world tour, initially as a documentarian and later as a roadie. Tom, a aspiring filmmaker known for his low-budget horror films, contrasts sharply with Matt's established artistic persona. The film captures the often-strained dynamic between them, highlighting themes of sibling rivalry, professional jealousy, identity, and the pressures of living in the shadow of a successful relative.
Mistaken for Strangers premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its raw honesty, humor, and insightful portrayal of brotherly love and competition. The film is noted for its meta-narrative approach, as it evolves from a conventional band documentary into a more personal exploration of family dynamics and the creative process. It offers a candid look behind the scenes of a successful rock band, juxtaposed with the struggles of an individual trying to find his own path.