Daryl Wein directed and co-wrote Consumed alongside Zoe Lister-Jones. The independent film is from 2015 and it is a political thriller that attempts to draw attention to GMOs in an agricultural setting. It uses the narrative of a mother who is trying to find answers to a problematic situation rather than creating a story out of a documentary. The issues with the mother stem from her searching endlessly for a satisfying conclusion. The film succeeds in incorporating strong performances from Danny Glover, Zoe Lister-Jones, Victor Garber, Kunal Nayyar, Taylor Kinney, and Anthony Edwards. Unlike other fictional films, Consumed attempts to include bold topics that are heavily dramatized, which makes it unique, even with some mixed receptions from critics. Plot Overview Sophie Kessler is the leading character of Consumed, which is portrayed by Zoe Lister-Jones. She is a single mother living in the Midwest trying to tackle the problems that come with an ailing child that has little to no explanation as to what is causing the issues. Garrett, her son, has varied ranges of symptoms including stomach pain, fatigue, and rashes, all of which are symptoms that a doctor cannot give clear diagnosis for. After exhausting all forms of medicine, Sophie begins formulating the hypothesis that the food most associated with genetically modified goods is the source of the damage.
As Sophie delves deeper, she gets tangled in a web of corporate politics, scientific disputes, and ethical issues. Searching for answers leads her to Serge Negani (Kunal Nayyar), a young scientist of exceptional talent and equally exceptional inner conflict. Serge has been studying the genetically engineered organism, but his biotech employer will not allow him to disclose any data that can be harmful to the company’s image. With all the pressure on him, Serge has no choice but to stay quiet.
At the same time, an aging organic farmer Hal Westbrook (Danny Glover) is trying to keep his business from being destroyed by some hostile legal action taken by a giant GMO producing company. And Westbrook is just one more example of the many farmers who are struggling to cope with the large agricultural companies.
A typical character of such companies is Dan Conway (Victor Garber), a biotechnologist who majors in persuasion. He is highly educated and practices what he preaches. Conway does not perceive a genetically modified organism as an enemy, but rather as a technique that will put a stop to world hunger. From his perspective, the Alter’s abominable flaw is that they criticise without possessing proper information.
Currently experiencing conflict between different worlds is Eddie Taylor (Taylor Kinney), a biotech enforcer and investigator, who comes to see the utter human toll of corporate cover-up and begins to doubt the ethics of his occupation.\n\nSophie’s probe, as she follows along, brings in foes and she has to face new challenges. The strength with which a mother seeks to keep her child protected goes both figuratively and literally challenging powerful institutions whose motives are fueled by profits and not people’s health.\n\nThemes and Commentary \n\nConsumed is equally salient on family predicaments, and responsibility as it is critical on politics of food. The movie is about a mother who goes above and beyond protecting her child from harm’s way, and will not accept superficial answers. The overwhelming dread of a child who is chronically sick without a seemingly accurate diagnosis is an emotional lure for the audience.
On a wider scope, the film examines the consequences of politicizing science while trying to understand the role of corporations and their motives, as well as the public’s trust or lack thereof. It also investigates the distortion of complex scientific issues like GMOs through fear-based activism as much as through industry lobbying. The title of the film, Consumed, has a double meaning: it refers both to the food that we consume as well as to how systems beyond an individual’s control can consume them.
One of the film’s strong points is the multi-faceted portrayal of the debate regarding consumption of GMOs. The storyline appears to take a skeptical view of the genetically engineered food, but does not ignore the voice that supports it. The CEO character, Dan Conway, is not portrayed as a villain, but rather a supportive figure for innovation. In the same way, Serge the scientist is conflicted with his love for science and the ethical ramifications of not exposing harmful information.
The character Hal the organic farmer provides a bottom up view of the debate as he represents mainstream agriculture and the fear of relinquishing control over seeds, land and farming practices. His story illustrates the struggle of independent farmers against the multinational corporations as a modern day David and Goliath tale.
Performance and Direction
Zoe Lister-Jones deeply anchors the film with an achingly sincere performance as Sophie. Her portrayal is fierce yet delicate, capturing the very real anguish many parents endure while grappling with the healthcare and food systems.
In his first serious role, television funnyman Kunal Nayyar earned praise for his admirably subdued turn as Serge. He captures the struggle of a man caught between the poles of moral principles and professional advancement.
As the farmer, Danny Glover provides the needed gravitas and emotional depth that people have come to expect from him, while Victor Garber plays the calm, self-assured, corporate representation of contemporary agriculture. Taylor Kinney’s role as an amoral operative compounds the tension from the story’s conflict between loyalty and morality.
Daryl Wein, the director, has a certain groundedness in his treatment of the material, bringing suspense and investigative drama together and couching it in the realism of the home. His approach and narrative style is personal and intimate while eschewing sensationalism in favor of an approach that is more human and less sensational.
Critical Reception
Initially, Consumed met with lukewarm feedback after its release. Supporters placed their praises on the willingness to delve into complex issues profoundly, while the critics pointed that the film is too simplistic and rigid in its handling of science(and GMOs) issues.
Sluggish pacing proved to be another sore spot with critiques. The film begins on a strong note, but for some, it seemed to lag in the middle as it became overwhelmed with exposition. Those who were more committed to the themes, though, found value in the unraveling mystery behind the corporate shroud and the individual’s struggle.
Despite only having a limited release, Used managed to stir up conversations, and was often employed in teaching materials or community film viewings dedicated to issues of nutrition and critique of corporations.
Final thoughts
Consumed in a single sitting is without a doubt one of the more peculiar entries into the realm of the docudrama – fusing deeply personal sentiments with public outrage. Although the execution might have fallen short at times, the film set out to accomplish something bold, and that, in itself, is undeniable. The film sets its gaze on the real issues of food safety, scientific transparency, and the growing discrepancy between civilian life and the world of corporations.
Through the story of a desperate mother chasing down answers, viewers are compelled to deal with troubling questions surrounding trust in institutions, ethics of science, and the unsettling question of what is truly in that food we voraciously consume. Regardless of whether people subscribe to the conclusion or not, the film Imbues one with a vivid appreciation and reflection of an issue which, need not be said, is rather crucial.
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