Torn

By inviting viewers to share in the most private of transformative periods for his family, Max Lowe scaled the Mount Everest of the soul, creating a cinematic gift that cuts to the heart in ways few films ever do.

Though there are no real secrets to be uncovered regarding Alex Lowe’s motivations for climbing, nor his infectiously exuberant personality in life . . . the film unavoidably feels confessional and cathartic.

Satisfyingly emotional without ever feeling sensationalized.

It’s a deeply personal documentary, candidly reflective and disinterested in flattery. It brings titans down to Earth.

Though Torn flirts with filmmaking-as-therapy, it doesn’t dig discomfitingly deep.

Torn isn't really about growing up in the shadow of a legend. It's about growing up without a father, about finding your way through the grief of your other family members, and how processing that experience never really stops.