Torn Hearts (2022) User Reviews

Katey Sagal makes "Torn Hearts" watchable...

[paul_haakonsen · 5/10 · 20 May 2022]

Stumbling upon the 2022 movie "Torn Hearts" and seeing it starred Katey Sagal, I opted to sit down and watch what writer Rachel Koller Croft and director Brea Grant had to offer with this particular movie.

Granted, I must admit that the movie's synopsis didn't really had me convinced, but I do believe in giving a movie a fair chance, hence I sat down to watch "Torn Hearts".

Well, the movie was watchable, but that was just about it. This wasn't a particularly outstanding or memorable movie experience. However, while Rachel Koller Croft did something I have never seen before, and that being setting a horror movie against a country music scene backdrop, then the storyline was ultimately just a bit too generic and monotonous.

"Torn Hearts" is a bit slow paced, which caused the narrative to suffer.

It was definitely really nice to see Katey Sagal in the movie, and she performed quite well. She was actually rather convincible in the role of Harper Dutch. And truth be told, "Torn Hearts" is actually worth sitting down to watch because of her performance here. It should also be said that both Alexxis Lemire (playing Leigh) and Abby Quinn (playing Jordan) put on good performances.

This movie is watchable once, but the storyline and script just doesn't have the contents to support more than a single viewing.

My rating of "Torn Hearts" lands on a five out of ten stars.

Okay

[Tweetienator · 5/10 · 22 May 2022]

Like another reviewer already stated, to watch Katey Sagal (fine performance) is the true star of Torn Hearts. Production and the rest of the cast are solid for a movie made on a not too big budget. Torn Hearts is one of those movies you watch once and then forget. The story simply does not offer anything new and on the scale of the horror-o-meter this is a rather weak entry: what you get is a psycho-thriller with a very few scenes what the mainstream may call horror. Not bad, but not really good either. Exact rate: 4 + 1 for Katey Sagal's performance only.

Fun but flawed

[leobardolouisrodriguez · 6/10 · 28 May 2022]

This was fun but as another reviewer remarked, mostly just watchable thanks to Katey Sagal. I think it needed to really let loose and have more fun with itself. There was a level of crazy that Katey Sagal seemed ready to unleash, but that the script and story hampered. There were a few pacing decisions I also thought were jarring, particularly in the last few minutes.

Which is not to say there wasn't plenty of pink and a warehouse of wigs hanging around.

All in all, a decent afternoon but not a classic.

Out of tune

[tomrothmansony · 2/10 · 21 May 2022]

Had a lot of potential to hit an indie flash cult classic status based on the synopsis, but hit a MASSIVE flat note.

Katey is believable, and by far the best thing about this film- but she even delivers a restrained performance in a crisp white cami. Why wasn't the direction pushing her past first base with such a whacked out character to play?!

The women playing the two performers are unfortunately forgettable, and seem to also suffer from the strange editing choices and bizarre camera set ups (and lack there of).

Pacing problems, thin character development and overall-repetitive. Missing the sizzle you'd expect from a Dolly Parton, Baby Jane, Grey Gardens mixed tape.

It's a 5 but Katey Sagal made it a 7

[seanpatrix-518-150814 · 7/10 · 23 May 2022]

Sluggish beginning, but later redeems itself slowly and kept me interested. It was good and just the right amount. It could have gone a bit deeper on the creepy factor (there were several opportunities).

I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it much more when Katey Sagal's character appeared. The other actors played their roles authentically and true to character.

I felt the movie held up all the way until then end. I felt it was actually closer to being a true IRL thriller/horror. I think we are more accustomed to a different style - and there is something truly original and unique about this film, although, I can't quite place it.

I feel that it could have taken a next level darker, creepy, weird vs. TV safe. I feel there is definitely more to come from the creators and we will watch in awe as they further continue to excel at their craft. Well Done!

A comedy, I think.

[Bill-i-am · 5/10 · 23 January 2023]

Is it an unfunny slash-and-gore-fest, or is it a funny horror movie? Well, it's kind of neither and both. There's not much story to anchor so much violence, but whatever, right? The acting is pretty awful. I think Sagal seems to excel in the role because she was the only talent in the entire cast. Too harsh?

Was this a story worth telling? No. So I guess there was never a message--no story, no message, right? So the intent must've been to entertain. The movie barely kept my attention, and the laugh-out-loud moments, for me, I am pretty sure were not intended to be comedic.

I love a so-bad-it's-good movie as much as the next guy, but this movie isn't good enough to be good, and it isn't bad enough to be good. It's kind of formulaic hackery that belongs on a late night movie channel, or in the dustbin of history.

Country Music Horror Film

[stevesinger-2001 · 7/10 · 23 May 2022]

"Torn Hearts" is a "country music horror film," and I believe it may be one of the first of its kind. The film deals with Jordan and Leigh, the titular "Torn Hearts" country duo (played by Abby Quinn and Alexxis Lemire, respectively). The film begins with them performing at a club where their manager Richie -- who is much older and also Leigh's boyfriend -- has brought them to meet country star Caleb, who is looking for an opening act. He and Jordan hook up, after which he tells her that they won't be the opening act because his record label wants an "all male" tour. Jordan is understandably bummed, but finds something more valuable -- that Caleb knows Harper Dutch (Katey Sagal), one of the legendary "Dutchess Sisters." She gets her address and suggests to Leigh that they go visit her and try to talk her into performing with them. Well, Leigh is the world's biggest Dutchess Sisters fan, and she can't possibly pass on the chance to meet her hero. So they travel off to Harper's house where they manage to convince Harper to let them in. After a little bit, Harper seems to be open to helping them, but things do not quite go the way they had anticipated...

"Torn Hearts" is a bit of a mixed bag, but mostly positive. The acting is really good, all three of our main leads are totally convincing. There's real, original country music which is a nice touch. In addition, there several really suspenseful scenes that are pretty unnerving. The main issue is some of the plot. Some things don't make sense -- for example, after Caleb tells Jordan flat out that his record company is not hiring a female act, she just doesn't tell anybody and instead let's people get mad at her. Harper's actions don't seem totally consistent throughout, and when the final "explanation" comes it's sort of underwhelming and not really logical. And man, the screenwriter clearly has some issues with the country music industry with special vitriol reserved for attractive women in country music!

But overall, a pretty solid film that's worth checking out.

no torn attention for a movie that reuires none

[fabiovicentini · 1/10 · 21 May 2022]

Ridiculously superfluous. Endless minutes where no one comes in with something interesting to fill up the unoriginal dynamic that the whole film is set around, in the inconceivable idea that someone might have thought that there was something worth watching.

Something different

[mjsreg · 7/10 · 29 May 2022]

Perhaps other reviewers were expecting some teeny slasher movie, because I don't know why it has been rated so low.

The story is different and solidly written with well rounded characters brilliantly performed by all the cast.

The best thing to do is watch it and make your own mind up.

Not great, but watchable

[Sergiodave · 5/10 · 3 August 2022]

An average Blumhouse production is better than most horrors, but this one was barely watchable, the acting was okay, but the plot was poor. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I was into Country music. A well made movie with a lousy plot.

A fun, great movie.

[xpittenx · 9/10 · 21 May 2022]

Katey Segal is amazing. The story wasn't hard to follow, but it was satisfying to see to the end. The tension was thick! We knew some atrocity was about to happen, but not what, or how badly. Thanks for complex female leads and douchy supporting male characters.

Fantastic psychological thriller!

[kyleallencole9 · 7/10 · 7 June 2022]

This new thriller was so much fun from beginning to end! I had a feeling once it got started, it was going to have a bitter and sour ending. Not to mention a truly haunting ending.

Katey Sagal was truly wicked and depraved throughout this movie. Her character knew what she was doing when she began to turn the two young singers against each other.

The 3rd act was completely intense and fun to watch. Highly recommend this one!!

Don't watch this

[pruitt-91690 · 1/10 · 13 November 2022]

This is the worst movie I've ever seen and I have seen Will Farrels career. It makes absolutely no sense at all. Way to much jumping around. Kinda felt like it was making fun of mental disorders. It had some promise but then it just died out. Epic disappointment considering Katie Segal is usually a phenomenal actress. She was great in Sons of Anarchy then this craziness happens and I am left here saying what did i just watch? All in all it made my brain hurt. The characters have absolutely no depth. Lee made my ears bleed while Jordan just whines and tries to control everything. The manager was a sleazy jerk who kinda deserved what he got. That's is the only positive I saw.

Would have rated this lower but....

[cyates-64641 · 5/10 · 26 May 2022]

Katy is the entire 5 stars here!

I'm sorry but neither of the other women were, for me anyway, anywhere near believable as country singers. I was thrown off by the songwriter chick the entire movie. Pale,with dark,thick eyebrows and too much eyeliner , she would be more believable as a goth chick. The other girl had the worst,irritating nasally voice. Not even good looks would take her too far even with the Best songwriters.

Not a great movie but wasn't that bad, especially if you're thristy for new original horror stuff.

Spoiler: At least both girls died cause I would have been POed if that nasal chick had gotten out!!🤣 LOL.

Not horror

[pomeu-63850 · 7/10 · 4 October 2022]

I guess today's definition of horror is very broad and people going into this movie expecting a classic horror film might be disappointed.

It's a small movie, limited budget, but it is right tight. Good dialogue, great directing, interesting story. I was never bored.

It's not Halloween, but what it is is a breath of fresh air in the current stale state of both adult thrillers and horror movies. Leave your expectations at the door and try to enjoy this closed-room Psycho meets Nashville story.

I have seen enough Marvel movies to last me a lifetime. Gimme more of these small, original, women driven stories, please.

No....just no

[Otte1 · 4/10 · 23 October 2022]

Positives: I like Kaey Sagel. I have been a fan of hers since Peggy Bundy days and even have two of her music CDs(yes she is a certified singer). She plays her part well, chewing up the scenery and making the other actresses almost invisible.

Cons: Direction, pacing, writing, story and atmosphere. The story was never really understood until the very very end, by then it was too late. So you are watching some awkward conversations with an up-an-coming musical group and a has been. The tension was completely manufactured when it did not have to be. There was too many situations where even dumb people would have said 'this is enough' and left. But here the writing is too stupid to give a compelling story so it throws anything out there and hope you don't notice..(but you will). This is definitely one of those times you want to throw something at the TV.

Also....this really is not a horror.

This movie is A LOT better than 5/10!

[TerribleKatherine · 7/10 · 18 September 2022]

I don't understand, why this movie has such a low score. It's not the best I've ever seen but it's a lot better than any generic horror movie made at the same time.

I love Katey Sagal so much and wanted to see this because of her. She did not disappointed, because yet again, she aced! I loved to watch her sanity slowly crumbling as Harper had to face her own doings. Every cast member did their job well and they were all believable.

The movie was just a bit slow and the plot was what I expected, but overall the movie was paced well and I didn't get bored at all. I was tempted to give an 8 just because the rating is so unfair, but I'm going to stick to what I decided first, which is a 7.

Yeah, a 4 and that's me being Generous! ;(

[midnitepantera · 4/10 · 24 May 2022]

I love Katey Sagal and that creepy country mansion, but they wasted her here and the potential for a good gothic/country horror show. Too BAD. The 2 main girls just didn't work right and the script was complete Garbage!! It's a one and done for me folks.

Country music has a fresh hell

[lwalt-75058 · 7/10 · 22 May 2022]

Katey Sagal is very believable as a country star whose career has faded. Abby Quinn and Alexxis Lemire are fun to watch as the story gets told. Plenty of Nashville humor, whiskey, and bullets fly while these ladies find out who the real Diva is.

With My Name On Your Lips

[wandernn1-81-683274 · 5/10 · 23 October 2022]

So a country music movie involving women, written by women, directed by women. Basically the plot boils down to Greed. Everyone is greedy. Which basically sums up the music business no matter what style.

Sagal is great as she usually is if she has the material to work with. The other two actresses were fine also. IT's a simple story, predictable, somewhat fun and also somewhat boring. Which really makes it pretty average.

Can only give it 5/10.

And IMDB has now made it so a review has to have 600 characters before it can be entered. I really don't expect that to last very long because people are sure to complain about it. But until that happens I guess we have to expect reviews to be long winded and sometimes about absolutely nothing to do with the show in question.

Torn Hearts

[BandSAboutMovies · 8/10 · 21 May 2022]

You know, for all the times I haven't liked a Blumhouse movie, their direct to streaming films end up being enormously entertaining and remind me of the reasons why I love the made for TV movies of the past. For some reason, they feel more focused despite - or perhaps because of - their reduced budgets.

Torn Hearts is a great example of that.

Leigh (Alexxis Lemire) and Jordan (Abby Quinn) are the Torn Hearts, a Nashville duo working hard every day and every night to make it in the country music business. Of the two, Jordan is the one who might be less comfortable on stage and more a music lifer, someone whose closest shot at fame may be someone else singing her song. Leigh is the mover, sweet on the outside but smart enough to get sleep before the studio (and hooking up with the band's manager played by Joshua Leonard from The Blair Witch Project). As for Jordan? She's hooking up with country megastar Caleb (Shiloh Fernandez, Evil Dead) and already learning that most men in the business are all out for themselves.

So while their fling doesn't lead to any opportunities, it does open one door. Caleb had been working with the mysterious Harper Dutch, one half of a country duo that the Torn Hearts idolize. Katey Segal owns this movie, emitting Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? Vibes while maintaining old country rock and roll edge. She's pure danger, ready to confess to past sins, drink hard liquor before 9 AM and put the girls through some brutal encounter exercises for the chance to record with her.

Directed by Brea Grant (who was Mya Rockwell in Rob Zombie's Halloween 2) and written by Rachel Koller Croft (who also wrote the lyrics for the strong songs within the film), Torn Hearts is a real surprise. A country music based horror movie about lost fame, regret and trying to instill lessons in someone who is in your old shoes but not having the language or sanity to achieve your aims. Or maybe Harper just likes tearing things up?

Yaron Levy, who was the cinematographer for Scream: The TV Series, The Purge series and the upcoming Maniac Cop revival makes this film look dark and sinister when needed and sugar sweet when that's the mood. Editor Hunter M. Via (The Mist, The Walking Dead) really makes the end tense and adds some true surprise with the way shots are revealed.

This film made me reflect on the sadness of country. One needs only look at the recent tragedy of the Judds to see that achieving fame is just part of the story. Life doesn't get easier when you're famous. And when family is part of the story, things can be hard. I've been thinking through this movie and how it comes together - and it's dark as it gets coda - since I've watched it. You'll be doing the same when you do.

An Ok Movie

[gab-67599 · 7/10 · 22 May 2022]

Seeing Blumhouse tied on this movie made me stop and watch. It was not a horror like I had hoped it would be. More of a drama thriller. It was a bit too long and took awhile to get to the point. But all around good acting and I have seen worse movies, so there is that I guess. I think if they could have squeezed in a possession or a ghost in this movie it would have been better, but that is my opinion. Good for a one time watch but do not expect anything special or original out of this movie.

Uncomfortable For All The Wrong Reasons

[lexical-62253 · 3/10 · 10 November 2022]

My main question going into Torn Hearts was "Do you have to be a country music fan to enjoy it?" I didn't enjoy it, so I guess I'll never know. This movie managed to make every character unlikable, while also evoking no other feelings besides cringe and boredom. Aspiring country duo Leigh and Jordan are playing a gig at a bar but not just any gig, uncharasmatic generic bandana wearing country star is in the audience and is looking for an opening act for his upcoming tour, so equally uncharasmatic manage/boyfriend of Jordan tells them it's important and Leigh better not ruin it! Leigh hates what's his name manager and isn't shy about it, she also doesn't play a country music singer, since the song is the only thing country music about her. The next day they decide to randomly show up unannounced at reclusive legendary singer Harper Dutch's house with a pie to hopefully secure a duet... with someone who doesnt perform anymore or even leave her house since her sister killed herself. The logic is baffling at best, considering the circumstances. Once there, Harper Dutch (played by Katey Sagal using a forced awful twangy accent) who is clearly insane, starts psychologically and physically torturing them. Instead of leaving like any minimally rational person would, they play her increasingly unbelievable games (which included fist fighting each other) as she strings them along with hopes of a duet. With very little effort, Harper turns them on each other, kills the boyfriend and her mental breakdown and apparent suicidal intentions come out. These unremarkable in every way singers just remind her too much of the sister she killed and the heartless fame seeking Jordan turns on her friend. There is nothing believable about this film, there is nothing country about any of the characters and every cliche in the book is trudged out before an ending that makes you wonder why you kept watching after the first 10 minutes. This movie is bad, in alot of ways. From the boring cliche dialogue to the overacting by every member of the cast not even mentioning the very VERY obvious Dutch sisters being fictional versions of The Judds, except sisters instead of mother/daughter, making the worst thing about this movie the coincidental suicide aspect.

Was hoping for more

[johnkenerson · 3/10 · 24 October 2022]

I love Katey Sagal, so I was happy to see this on Prime... unfortunately it sucks. Not even Katey can save this turd of a film. It's not tense, it's not scary... it's just stupid.

The worst part of the whole movie is when they are recording the original song, and I don't know if Katey is trying to sing (if so, she sounds awful) and since she's an accomplished singer I expected her to sound a lot better. The song is just terrible as well.

I'm pushing myself to get all the way through it, but it's a struggle. The other two "actresses" are total cliches... the pretty untalented one and the talented not so pretty one... garbage.

Not in Nashville

[begob · 6/10 · 23 May 2022]

An aspiring country music duet seize the chance to sing with their reclusive hero, but the song she has planned for them ends in death.

Lurid tale of ambition and betrayal that goes heavy on the dialogue, often repeating its themes inside its on-the-nose plot. It starts out fairly static, leaving nothing to the imagination through TV-style writing, but develops some interest on the introduction to the recluse of the mad woman. And all the while the clumsy music effects keep insisting that the action really is creepy, and sometimes even frightening - but still there's no way I class this as a horror.

The music numbers themselves are good and performed live, so that's a plus. And the story does get some sophistication on by drawing parallels between the old characters and the young, although the psychology ends up dull. To get away with this level of mayhem and violence in a such a linear plot requires humour, and humour comes from character, and this don't got much character.

The performances are fine, but the only outstanding parts are in the singing. The editing is brisk once the intro is out of the way, camera work is solid, and production values are otherwise good, particularly the set dressing.