Horror Movie Review: Torn Hearts (2022)

Directed by Brea Grant, written by Rachel Koller Croft and starring Katey Sagal, Abby Quinn and Alexxis Lemire, Torn Hearts has a lot to say about the pitfalls of fame and how far some people will go to achieve it.

Country musical act Torn Hearts, made up of Jordan (Abby Quinn) and Leigh (Alexxis Lemire), are desperately trying to find a route to the big time. Having had enough of playing the local bars in Nashville, they get a huge opportunity to be the opening act for country superstar, Caleb Crawford (Shiloh Fernandez), However, after sleeping with Jordan, he reveals that the label wants the tour to be an ‘all-guys’ event.

It’s a disappointing turn and Jordan worries how Leigh will take it, but through Caleb she gets the opportunity to connect with their idol Harper Dutch (Katey Sagal). One half of the legendary country music act, The Duchess Sisters. Who has all but disappeared from the limelight following the suicide of her sister and bandmate.

With Harper’s address in hand, Jordan and Leigh decide to track her down and ask her to record a song with them. It’s a plan that seems destined to fail, seeing as Harper is a recluse now, but no guts, no glory, right? At least, that’s how Jordan sees it. Her personality, one of a risk taker. Whereas, Leigh is more of a ‘play by the rules’ kind of girl. Something encouraged by her boyfriend and the band’s promotor, Richie (Joshua Leonard).

It’s an area that the film does really well. Showing the differences in the duo’s character and setting up conflict areas. Conflict areas that are exposed and utilised by the bitter and unhinged Harper. Who agrees to meet the girls and record a song but on her .

What begins as an uncomfortable situation for Torn Hearts slowly transforms into something far more dangerous.

There is a familiarity to the story, yet thanks to the strength in the performances, it’s easy to overlook. The trio of Katey Sagal, Abby Quinn and Alexxis Lemire play their parts wonderfully. Managing to balance a wide array of emotions without it ever stepping into silly territories. Which it easily could of, as the danger ramps up significantly in the latter portion of the movie.

It’s here that the movie loses its way, seemingly desperate to not head down a more obvious route, it begins to tie itself in knots to come up with a fresh ending. It’s something that doesn’t quite work and requires the viewer to swallow a pretty big pill when it comes to character shifts.

Not so bad though that it ruins the experience. Torn Hearts tells a delightfully dark story, tinged with a sadness because of just how real it feels.