THE IDENTICAL
A heartfelt musical drama about faith, family, forgiveness, and calling.
Should You Watch It?
THE IDENTICAL offers families an entertaining musical drama with a strong Christian message. Its story naturally explores faith, forgiveness, family love, and discovering God’s calling. The music is fun, the period setting is immersive, and the performances are sincere.
The movie’s second half loses momentum. Its characters could be explored more deeply, and some dialogue is repetitive. Still, the production remains competent, and the central message gives the story lasting value.
If you want a positive family film about seeking God, forgiving others, and following your calling, this is worth seeing.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESIn 1936, William and Helen Hemsley struggle to make ends meet in a small southern town. When Helen gives birth to identical twin boys, they realize they cannot provide for both children and give one son to a childless young preacher and his wife.
Years later, Ryan grows into a fine young man with an extraordinary musical gift. As he wrestles with his parents’ expectations and his own calling, a successful rock star who looks exactly like him enters his life—and raises questions about the past.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means an entertaining, competent film with meaningful strengths and noticeable flaws. THE IDENTICAL begins with a compelling premise and setup, but the script falters in its second act and ultimately loses steam. The characters are genuine and interesting, though they are not explored as deeply as they could be. Much of the dialogue is repetitive, and a scene about supporting Israel feels disconnected from the rest of the movie.
The performances are stronger. Blake Rayne handles the dual role of Ryan and Drexel with conviction and sincerity. Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd also give strong performances. The sets, costumes, and especially the music immerse viewers in the classic decades from the 1930s through the 1960s.
The Worldview
THE IDENTICAL presents a very strong Christian, biblical worldview. It exalts faith, forgiveness, loving your family, and following God’s calling. Church services, Bible verses, Gospel songs, and baptism are woven into the story, while Reece’s strictness is balanced by his steadfast love for Ryan and for God.
The movie also presents a pro-capitalist perspective. Its central conflict asks whether Ryan will simply become the person others expect him to be or follow the calling God has placed within him. The film ultimately encourages viewers to seek God first, trust Him with their desires, and believe that nothing can stand against His purposes.
That message echoes Jesus’ words: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very strong Christian, Biblical worldview extolling faith, forgiveness, following God’s calling, loving your family, with multiple scenes in a church, Bible verses referenced, Gospel songs sung, and a baptism, plus some pro-capitalist content; no foul language, a couple uses of dang; some punches are swung, a character has a heart attack; no sexual content, light kissing; no nudity, though a music video shows some women in late 1950’s style bikinis; some light drinking; smoking of cigarettes, and a reference to “weed” or marijuana; and, some illegal partying is shown, though main characters don’t do anything illegal, and teenager lies to his parents.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Ryan feels pulled between his parents’ expectations and his own musical gift. How can you seek God’s direction while honoring your parents?
Matthew 6:33 · Ephesians 6:1–3The film centers on forgiveness within a family. What makes forgiveness difficult, and how does Christ call us to forgive?
Ephesians 4:32 · Colossians 3:13Reece’s love for Ryan remains steady even when he is strict with him. How can love and correction belong together?
Proverbs 3:11–12 · Hebrews 12:6What might it look like to use your abilities in a way that honors God and serves others?
1 Peter 4:10 · Colossians 3:23–24The Final Word
THE IDENTICAL is an entertaining, sincere musical drama with a strong message about faith, family, forgiveness, and following God’s calling. Its script flaws keep it from greatness, but its positive values make it a good choice for families. WORTH THE TRIP.
