About Torn

"Torn" is a 2021 National Geographic documentary directed by Max Lowe. The plot revolves around an adventurous, emotional, and introspective journey of the Lowe family, after the body of prolific mountaineer and the family patriarch, Alex Lowe, is discovered seventeen years after his fatal accident in a Himalayan Avalanche. This poignant narrative uniquely blends familial ties, grief, and memories, with the mystery and awe of mountaineering, serving as a tribute to a lost loved one.

Making / Production

"Torn" was intricately produced, shot, and directed by Max Lowe, the son of Alex Lowe, making it very much a personal testament as much as it is a cinematic experience. The film unfolds through intelligent montage sequences, archival footage from Alex’s expeditions, family videos, and Max’s original shoot. The entire production is imbued with an authenticity that transports audiences to the heart of the Lowe family's narrative.

Actors

• Max Lowe: Max Lowe not only directs the film but also serves as the narrator, guiding viewers through his family's journey with profound authenticity and intimacy. His narration lends an emotional depth to the documentary.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Torn" comes from Max's torn feelings towards his biological father Alex and his stepfather Anker, who entered the Lowe family's life shortly after Alex's death.
• The film was shot at various iconic climbing spots including Zion National Park, Antartica, and the frosty peaks of Tibet where Alex Lowe’s remains were discovered.

Music and Soundtrack

• The film employs a subtly haunting score that encapsulates the emotional depth of the story and resonates with the recurring themes of loss, healing, and reconciliation.

Quotes

• "We're all living the life we chose, we chose to be a family." - Max Lowe.
• "My father wasn't a god, he was a man. A man who worked very hard to become the best he could be." - Max Lowe.