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Deep Dive: Torn (2021)

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Torn
Torn is a documentary directed by Max Lowe that examines the life and death of his father, climber Alex Lowe, who died in an avalanche on Mount Shishapangma in 1999. The film combines archival footage of Alex's climbing adventures with interviews from family members, including his widow Jennifer, best friend Conrad Anker, and sons Sam and Isaac. The narrative is deeply personal, reflecting on the impact of Alex's death on his family and the relationships that formed in its aftermath. The documentary is particularly focused on the discovery of Alex's body in 2016, 17 years after his death, by two climbers on a melted glacier. This event prompted Max to travel to Tibet with his family to retrieve and cremate his father's remains. The film captures the emotional weight of this experience and the complexities of a blended family, as Conrad Anker, who survived the avalanche, married Jennifer and helped raise Alex's children.

Why Watch

  • •See Max Lowe's personal story of loss and discovery.
  • •Meet climber Conrad Anker, who married Alex's widow.
  • •Find out about the 2016 discovery of Alex's body.

Did You Know

•Alex Lowe died in an avalanche on October 5, 1999.
•His body was discovered 17 years later, in 2016.
•The film premiered at the 2021 Telluride Film Festival.
•Torn scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 19 reviews.

Perfect For

Mountain climbing enthusiastsDocumentary film loversFans of family stories