39. Torn; movie review

 

TORN

Cert 12A

92 mins

BBFC advice: Contains infrequent strong language

When I bought my ticket for Max Lowe's Torn, I expected a loving tribute to his famous mountaineer dad, Alex.

But it is also a riveting family drama which could possibly end up being my favourite documentary of 2022.

It examines the relationship between Alex and his young family and the impact on them when he died in the Himalayas in 1999.

Surprisingly, the verdict of his sons Sam and Isaac, who cannot remember him as their father, is less than positive.

His brothers even question why film-maker Max, who is older than them and has a more loving recollection, should open up wounds.

From an outsider's view, the success of this movie comes from the fact that it is so personal.

Max not only has the reluctant co-operation of his brothers but also his mother and his climbing partners, including, vitally, Conrad Anker, his best friend who was with him when he died.

Anker's involvement in helping the family get over Alex's death is both very surprising and, ultimately, uplifting.

Torn includes spellbinding footage of Alex climbing mountains as if he is Spider-man, combined with home movies of time with the Jenny and the children.

It chronicles his career and the plaudits he received alongside media interviews.

But most memorable are current conversations, the clear and deep effect his passing has had on his family and how they have come through it.

They open their hearts in front of the camera and, even after two decades, they surprise each other with their responses.

Meanwhile, the audience is stunned by the revelations which make this a must-see documentary.

Reasons to watch: Love and adventure wrapped up in one stunning documentary

Reasons to avoid: Upsetting scenes

Laughs: One

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 9/10

Did you know? Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, attracts hundreds of climbers every year. The main peak of the Annapurna massif is the most dangerous of the world's mountains, with a 29% fatality rate of everyone who tries to climb it. Since 1900, an estimated 244 expeditions have resulted in 72 deaths.

The final word. Max Lowe: "I see the world through a storyteller's lens, so to be able to create this film that roots itself in one of the most traumatic events of my life was pretty remarkable and a huge gift that my family gave me."

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