IMDb 7.2 2018 HD

Second Best

Second Best

2018
20 min NR Australia
6.75 / 10
7.2 IMDB

Velika and Nouchka are identical twins, but their overbearing mother and their individual fortunes may just sever their connection forever.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Alyssa McClelland / Jose Marquina / Angela Miller
Starring
Karina Banno / Raechelle Banno / Lucy Bell / Thomas Campbell / Jeanette Cronin / Mirko Grillini / Michael Whalley

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

thought-provoking dramatic intimate compelling nuanced sibling dynamics identity maternal influence strong performances emotional tense character-driven

Reviews

P
Penelope Croft
Apr 9, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

'Second Best' attempts to dissect the intricate dynamics of twin sisterhood under duress, but the execution proves somewhat uneven. Karina and Raechelle Banno inhabit their roles as Velika and Nouchka with a commendable commitment, showcasing the visual and…

M
Marcus Thorne
Apr 9, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A deeply affecting exploration of familial bonds and the struggle for selfhood, 'Second Best' is a triumph of subtle storytelling. The Banno sisters, Karina and Raechelle, deliver performances of extraordinary depth, capturing the unique and often fraught connection…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 9, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

The premise of 'Second Best'—identical twins strained by maternal influence and individual fortunes—promises significant dramatic weight. Karina and Raechelle Banno certainly have the visual and performative presence to carry such a story. Their portrayal of the twins is…

A
Arthur Pendelton
Apr 9, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Second Best' presents a compelling study of twinship and the insidious nature of familial control. The Banno twins are remarkable, embodying both the uncanny sameness and the subtle distinctions that begin to define Velika and Nouchka. Their performances…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 9, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Karina and Raechelle Banno deliver a captivating performance as identical twins Velika and Nouchka, grappling with an overbearing mother and the diverging paths of their lives. The film hinges on their chemistry, which is palpable, offering a nuanced…

FAQs

The director for 'Second Best' is not specified in the provided context. However, the film's focus on the intricate relationship between identical twins and the pressures they face suggests a director who prioritises character development and emotional nuance. The narrative's potential for psychological depth implies a directorial approach that might favour subtle performances and a controlled atmosphere to amplify the dramatic tension inherent in the twins' diverging paths.