Consumed is an American political thriller from the year 2015 that captures the emotionally intense arena of GMOs or genetically modified organisms. The film was written and directed by Daryl Wein alongside co-writer Zoe Lister-Jones. It explores one of modern society’s most controversial themes, which intersects agriculture and public health, through a cinematic lens. Consumed tells a compelling tale that is equal parts strikingly personal and hauntingly urgent in relation to contemporary concerns.
The action takes place in the American Midwest where a single mother is trying to make sense of a complicated system of bureaucracy and science in relation to her son’s ailment. What starts off as a domestic struggle escalates into a grand narrative concerning corporate politics, moral dilemmas in science, and the fine line between advancement and peril.
Plot Synopsis
The film portrays Sophie Kessler, a lower class single mother acted by Zoe Lister-Jones. Sophie’s world begins to spiral when her son Garrett starts showing some unexplained troubling health issues. Sophie’s mental state begins to worsen as her son displays concerning symptoms like skin rashes, debilitating abdominal pain, and excessive vomiting. With the medical community being as unhelpful as the lay people, she accepts a path of investigation.
Sophie’s findings make her think that the reason behind Garrett’s symptoms might have something to do with the genetically engineered foods that they used to consume as a family. Additionally, as she begins unraveling the world of biotechnology, she encounters a disturbing tapestry of hidden studies, silenced scientists, and unchecked power agribusinesses that are operating with little to no regulation. It is her increasing preoccupation with uncovering the reality that opposes her with powerful forces who would rather such matters never be brought to light.
Along the way, we meet numerous characters with unique narratives that will eventually come together. One follows scientist Serge Negani, portrayed by Kunal Nayyar, who comes across some conflictual data regarding GMOs. Another look at Hal Westbrook, the aging organic farmer Danny Glover plays, who finds himself embroiled in a lawsuit brought on by a biotechnology company for patent infringement resulting from genetically modified pollen trespassing into his crops. Then there’s corporate insider Eddie Taylor (portrayed by Taylor Kinney), who begins to grapple with his employer’s ethics, and tumor biologist Jacob Leifman (portrayed by Anthony Edwards), who examines the potential long-term risks posed by foodborne toxins.
The story’s weave begins with Dan Conway, whom Victor Garber plays, the Clonestra CEO. Clonestra is a fictional biotech company and serves as a model for big business. Not unlike Monsanto. Garber’s character is not a cartoonish villain. Rather, he is a science-obsessed executive who believes deeply in the noble causes of his industry — namely, the attempt to eradicate hunger through agriculture-based innovation.
Sophie’s dig to uncover the truth leads her father to increasingly perilous paths. She faces intimidation, legal threats, and emotional tolls that come as a byproduct of unraveling a puzzle meant to be kept secret. Yet, undeterred, Sophie pushes on, propelled by a primal urge to protect her child and an unyielding appetite for justice. Everything comes to a head when she is forced to reckon with the power that the uncovered secrets hold against her, her family, and their safety.
Cast and Characters
Zoe Lister-Jones as Sophie Kessler: Single mother and waitress turned activist after searching for answers to her son’s health complications.
Danny Glover as Hal Westbrook: An idealistic organic farmer facing the legal wrath of a behemoth biotech corporation.
Victor Garber as Dan Conway: Corporate clone of genetic engineering, Clonestra CEO bon vivant and conglomerate puppet master.
Kunal Nayyar as Serge Negani: Hypothetically head of a research lab where institutionalized guards keep on wards, his conscience drives him to challenge the system.
Taylor Kinney as Eddie Taylor: A corporate employee caught in the web of devotion and morality.
Anthony Edwards as Jacob Leifman: A medical practitioner in basic research who may have discovered the long-term health risks of some factors.
Griffin Dunne as Peter Landell: An ex-industry scientist who narrates the film and his expertise captures the essence of the film’s motifs.
Beth Grant as Kristin Kessler: Sophie’s motivational parent, supporting her daughter protect GMOs and strive for achieving the mission.
Themes and Message
The primary theme of Consumed is perhaps the most primal fight of all—the battle between personal freedom and the institutional control. It looks at the ethical issues created by technical advancement, especially when motivated by business interests instead of the welfare of society. It shows the absence of information regarding GMOs and rising food safety issues, the role of biotech firms, and the muffling of alternative scientific voices.
But beyond the political or scientific critique, Consumed is about a mother’s battle to protect her child. It is a tale of fierce maternal love, self-discovery, and moral strength. The film carefully avoids portraying the subject matter purely as a conspiracy, instead opting to explore it from an emotional, multifaceted angle.
The film also looks at the challenges of intellectual property as it relates to agriculture, the issues of smallholder farmers, and the moral limits of contemporary science. It portrays through Hal Westbrook and Serge Negani how systemic forces boil down to the impacts on people trying to do the right thing.
Reception and Critique
Consumed was received with mixed reviews upon release. Most people commended the filmmakers for attempting to construct a narrative around something so complex and so little documented. Others critiqued the film for its monolithic pacing towards much more obvious dramatic beats and for lacking finesse, feeling there was little counter or nuanced exploration of the pro-GMO sentiment from the scientific community in the film. Some audience members felt more grateful than others about the film’s unwillingness to portray nuance in a story that is seldom tackled by the mainstream media.
Zoe Lister-Jones’ performance was mostly cited as groundbreaking in the context of the film. The film’s emotional core is carried by a character that is not an activist, nor a scientist, but a woman motivated by love and desperation. Danny Glover fulfills his role with a quiet dignity, and Victor Garber impresses with his portrayal of a cold but convincing head of the developing industries.
Alex Bergman’s sharp cinematography alongside Nima Fakhrara’s subtle score creates tension throughout the film while ensuring a clear and steady pace. While the screenplay does contain human exposition, it never loses sight of the human story at its core.
Conclusion
Focused on striking a balance between raw character emotion and real world issues, Consumed is a unique feature-length film. It serves as a reminder that personal matters often intersect with political themes and offers a cautionary message regarding the concealed costs of progress. Though it may not articulate its stance on food, science, corporate dominance, and the audacity of people who challenge the status quo, it is incredibly effective at providing necessary, albeit unanswered, questions.
Consumed is bound to spark a deeper examination of the systems that control our lives, whether you perceive it as a thriller, drama, or public health allegory.
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