warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Film Review: 'Torn'

Kathy Zerbib |
September 14, 2013 | 4:56 p.m. PDT

Film Editor

“Torn” follows the story of two mothers coming together after losing their teenage sons in a suburban mall bombing. The film captivates the emotional journey the women undergo in the aftermath of a serious loss, significantly when one of the boys becomes a prime suspect of the explosion.

The two families are stark contrasts of one another. Maryam (Mahnoor Baloch) and Ali Munsif (Faran Tahir of “Dallas,” “Elysium”) are Walter’s parents. They are a stable home and seemingly well-off. Because they are Pakistani, the family is racially profiled by the authorities as terrorists.

Lea Pelletier (Dendrie Taylor of “Sons of Anarchy”), Caucasian, is Eddie’s mother. She is a divorced single mother and living in a modest apartment. In the beginning, she stands by Maryam's side when investigators inform her of their suspicions towards Walter. Her life thereafter, however, spirals downwards as she mourns Eddie's death. 

John Heard (“Home Alone”) and Sharon Washington (“School of Rock”) play the investigators for the bombing.

"Torn" allows insight into how damaging racial profiling is. This small-time film tells a shocking story of how the U.S. treats its own citizens and how quickly a community is willing to target any given scapegoat.

The Munsifs are everyday, American citizens who are accused during 9/11 and again during the mall bombing. Their home is vandalized. Walter, once considered a quiet boy, is turned into an American-hating hothead by the media. Neighbors and clients turn on the family, and they are forced to consider leaving the country they built an honest fortune in.

The life-changing accusation triggers further drama for the Munsifs and Lea Pelletier. Both families are challenged to trust and forgive. 

Baloch, Taylor, and Tahir's emotions are believable and heart-wrenching. We feel their pain and we empathize with their characters' struggles. Tears were forming since the film's opening and our attention is maintained from start to finish. 

The film's plot is brilliant and well-constructed. "Torn" is the right amount of dramatic, romantic, and interesting. The dialogue used to convey the plot is effective in embodying American views towards the citizens it views as problematic, whether it be Pakistanis, high school loners, or other ethnic minorities.

"Torn" is a must-watch for everyone. The lessons of trust, honesty, family, and empathy that the film teaches its viewers are eternally valuable. Yes, the film is relatively under the radar, but the effort to seek "Torn" out will be well worth your while.

Reach Film Editor Kathy Zerbib here; Follow her on Twitter here.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.