Director Brea Grant’s Torn Hearts is a twisted tale of ageism, sexism, and the high cost of success. It’s also a satisfying horror film set in the world of Country music featuring terrific performances and a couple of catchy tunes. In other words, you can watch it for the chills and thrills or you can dig deeper. Either way, it’s a real twangy treat.
Jordan (Abby Quinn) and Leigh (Alexxis Lemire) are Torn Hearts, a hungry-for-hits Country music duo who believe they’re on the cusp of getting their big break. They just need that one thing that will set their music apart from the pack. That ‘one thing’ turns out to be convincing a reclusive former Country superstar to come out of retirement and perform with them.
Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy) stars as Harper Dutch, the Country artist who might be able to provide Torn Hearts with their first major hit. Harper used to perform with her sibling as The Dutchess Sisters, however, once they hit the ripe old age of 35 their singing careers stalled. Harper’s sister committed suicide and now the surviving Dutchess sister spends her days talking to a ghost and drinking herself into oblivion while self-isolating in her rundown mansion.
Jordan and Leigh don’t actually have much of a plan other than to show up uninvited and charm Harper into making her comeback with Torn Hearts. Oh, and to bring Harper her favorite pie to help seal the deal.
Unfortunately for the wannabe Country stars, Harper’s sister’s the one who loved that particular pie. However, Harper’s willing to overlook that error and even seems amenable to recording a song…if the girls will join her in consuming massive amounts of alcohol.
Note to aspiring artists: never agree to spend the night with a possibly psychotic, easily angered, alcoholic recluse. No amount of record sales is worth it, as Torn Hearts soon learn.
Katey Sagal’s wickedly entertaining performance is the bloody heart and twisted soul of Torn Hearts. Sagal, who has a gorgeous singing voice, plays Harper as an artist resentful over being forced off the stage and treated as a disposable commodity. She’s bitter about being tossed aside and when these two pretty young things show up expecting her to deliver to them the stardom they desire, she finds the perfect target for years of pent-up rage.
Torn Hearts does a terrific job of skewering an industry that chews up and spits out talented women, particularly those who are considered past their prime. That underlying message is why it’s possible to root for Harper despite her increasingly outrageous actions. Of course, there’s a line that’s ultimately crossed – this is a horror film, after all – but until Harper goes there, it’s possible to sort of excuse her behavior. And being able to side with the villain is one of the reasons why Torn Hearts is such a hoot.
GRADE: B
Directed By: Brea Grant
Written By: Rachel Koller Croft
Release Date: May 20, 2022 (on digital)
Running Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Produced By: EPIX and Blumhouse Television
Cast: Katey Sagal, Abby Quinn, Alexxis Lemire, Joshua Leonard, and Shiloh Fernandez
