Mistaken for Strangers

Formed in Cincinnati in 1999, The National are critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated indie rock superstars. The band is comprised of two sets of brothers and lead singer Matt Berninger. His little brother Tom is an aspiring horror movie director, who was asked to join the band on the road in 2010. Instead of doing his duties as a crew member, Tom mostly just drank, annoyed everyone, and walked around with a video camera like a big shot. Unbeknownst to the band, he was gathering footage for what would eventually become MISTAKEN FOR STRANGERS. The rivalrous relationship between the Berningers certainly makes for some hilarious and entertaining moments. But living in the shadow of a rock star isn't easy. Matt's success has always dwarfed Tom's own ambitions and projects. The tension over this, and Matt's view of Tom as a perpetual slacker, quickly caused friction on tour, forcing them to deal with their problems head on. What begins as a simple music documentary slowly turns into an endearing film about family and the need to forge your own path. —E.F.