[Film Review] Torn Hearts (2022)

Torn Hearts (2022) warns what may happen if you meet your heroes. Director Brea Grant’s new film follows a band called Torn Hearts, a two-woman contemporary country music act in Nashville, Tennessee. Leigh (Alexxis Lemire), the lead singer, and Jordan (Abby Quinn), the guitarist and songwriter, have an amazing sound and are eagerly waiting for their big break. Growing up, they idolized a similar country act called The Dutchess Sisters. Leigh and Jordan jump at the chance to work with Harper Dutch (Katey Sagal), the last living Dutchess Sister, who lives alone and hasn’t made music in years. But when they arrive at Harper’s house, things become increasingly strange and dangerous, and they have to ask themselves how far they are willing to go for their dreams. 

Grant’s direction leads to a story that’s suspenseful the whole way through. I kept second-guessing myself, along with the characters’ decisions. There were very few times where the right decision was obvious, and it kept me wondering who to root for. On the one hand, when something seems too good to be true, it usually is, and Leigh and Jordan should have been mindful of that. On the other hand, what musician wouldn’t go to great lengths to record with their hero? It’s hard to make it big as an artist, and you have to be willing to sacrifice.

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The film showcases excellent musical talent. Even if country isn’t normally your go-to genre, the songs in this film are beautiful and interesting. Torn Hearts are a band who want to subvert country stereotypes and cliches, carrying on the legacy of The Dutchess Sisters. This leads them to a unique sound, and one song in particular is almost a character in the film. The songs aren’t just background, they advance the plot and tell the story. 

Torn Hearts is a film of dualities. Each band represented is comprised of two women, who compliment and contrast each other like yin and yang. When a third person is introduced in either pairing - such as a boyfriend or manager - the balance is thrown off. Additionally, there is the mirroring of the two bands against one another. The Dutchess Sisters and Torn Hearts have a lot in common, but there are also notable differences. Finally, each woman we spend time with is forced to confront something in herself she doesn’t like- a dark side. The film is constantly holding up a mirror to everyone involved, and making the audience question along with the characters, do we like what we see? 

Torn Hearts combines several components we may have seen in other films - what do you do when you’re trapped, how far will you go for what you want, where is the line between quirky and unstable - and combines them into something completely unique. Believable performances, suspenseful direction, and an unrelenting story will pull you in and leave you with a satisfied end. Do not miss Brea Grant’s latest achievement! 

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