Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving docu of family's grief, healing has language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Torn
What's the Story?
TORN tells the story of legendary mountain climber Alex Lowe's life and tragic death in a 1999 avalanche in China. His wife Jennifer, three sons, and best friend Conrad, who was on the expedition but survived the avalanche, remember Alex, mourn his loss, and talk about their lives and healing afterward.
Is It Any Good?
Although there's plenty of footage of the near-mythical, mountain-climbing icon Alex Lowe, this is ultimately a touching story of a family's long journey toward healing and recovery. Torn was directed by Alex's son Max, who mainly interviews his mom, brothers, and stepdad while taking us through Alex's life and some of the processes involved in making the movie. Max Lowe treats his subjects with respect and care while sometimes asking painful questions, and his subjects respond with heartfelt honesty and openness. If it had been a documentary strictly about Alex Lowe's life, viewers might feel that some important people and parts of the story are left out, like the cameraman who also died in the avalanche. But Lowe's life and death are really the starting point for a story about love and loss.
Although there's lots of footage and pictures of Lowe's kids when they were young, they're all adults now and talking about their lives and memories of Alex from a mature perspective. Younger viewers may lose interest, and the brief instances of profanity make it best for teens and up who can handle the strong emotions shown.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Torn shows grief and sadness. How do the family members handle their feelings? If you've lost a loved one, or know someone who has, is there anything that makes you feel better?
How are documentaries different from movies based on fiction? Do they tell their stories in the same way? What do you like, or not like, about them?
Do you enjoy outdoor sports or activities? Are any of them dangerous? Are there any you haven't done but would like to try?
What character strengths are on display here?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 2, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : February 4, 2022
- Cast : Alex Lowe , Jennifer Lowe , Conrad Anker
- Director : Max Lowe
- Studio : National Geographic
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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