Consumed, a 2015 independent film focusing on politics, Daryl Wein’s Consumed looks into the seldom examined and publicly contested world of genetically modified organisms. The film blends the urgency of a parental drama with the scope of biotechnological ethics, geopolitical power relations, and the sociology of food by weaving it as a screenplay with Zoe Lister-Jones, who acts in the film as well.
The film intends to serve in entertaining the audience but also challenges the viewers to contemplate and openly dialogue about the societal consumption of food and the processes that go largely unrecognised behind its production.
Synopsis
Sophie Kessler stars in the film as a dedicated single mother in the Midwest working long hours in a diner to make ends meet for her son, Garrett. Beginning with a new set of baffling health problems including rashes, stomach aches, and vomiting, doctors are left equally puzzled. This reality, along with Sophie’s persisting worry as a mother, desperate for answers drives her towards contemplating the foods available in the household and whether they might be the root of the problem.
Her suspicions took her on a journey marked with intricate, spiral paths of corporate deception alongside deep-rooted scientific hierarchies. She progresses her investigation on Clonestra as one of the key biotechnology corporations in the Southwestern region America’s GMO seed industry, the firm has a strong control over the local farmers. Throughout Sophie’s journey, she encounters numerous people who assist her in forming a clearer, peculiarly dark illustration of the food industry.
Serge Negani is one of the idealistic younger employees in the film. He is an Indian born animal science postgraduate student who works in a university lab and is secretly studying the impact of genetically modified crops on animal life which Nikolay considers a brilliant piece of work. Serge’s progress does not sit well with his corporate-funded academic institute, putting him under the threat from both his in professional and personal life. His safety concerns restrain him from becoming a public figure, though he proves to be of help to Sophie.
Another key person is ex-Clonestra employee Peter Landell who now lives a life of quiet despair. His estrangement comes associated with his burden in sustaining serious unethical practices concealed under the veil of functioning corporately. The link he shares with Sophie is precisely what helps in bringing to the light the underlying secrets intertwined covertly within this chain of discomforting revelations about health dangers posed by Clonestra’s genetically modified hybrids crops.
As Sophie dives deeper, she also confronts her own past, which includes conflicts with her estranged mother, Kristin, a political activist whose support becomes essential when the stakes are raised. Sophie further encounters a struggling local farmer, Eddie, her ex-boyfriend, who is battling Clonestra’s attempts to coerce him into adopting their patented seeds.
Sophie’s discovery of evidence that Clonestra has been hiding critical information concerning the health repercussions of their products serves as the centerpiece for the film’s climax. Sophie comes to this realization after Serge’s research is inexplicably destroyed and his death deemed suspicious. It is clear to her that Clonestra will do anything to protect their interests. In a bold decision, Sophie retrieves important information from a junkyard where Pete stashed incriminating files. With the help of her mother, Sophie circulates the evidence, causing a public and media frenzy.
While the film concludes with Clonestra receiving ire from the public, Consumed deliberately chooses not to provide a tidy ending. The film masterfully portrays Sophie overwhelmed with indecision and uncertainty about the coming years, especially when considering the omnipresence of GMOs in the food supply. The closing moments deliver a chilling yet sobering reminder of the complexities of contemporary food politics.
Cast & Characters
Recognizable faces from mainstream cinema alongside indie film veterans comprise the cast of Consumed, all of whom, with diverse performances, add authenticity to the film’s grave themes.
Zoe Lister-Jones as Sophie Kessler – Sophie Kessler is a mother and waitress who becomes a reluctant activist. Lister-Jones captures the emotional intensity the role requires.
Danny Glover as Hal Westbrook – The Food Safety advocate, retired scientist, and the moral voice of the narrative.
Victor Garber as Dan Conway – The unscrupulous CEO of Clonestra. His overarching presence is felt throughout the film’s central ethical struggle.
Taylor Kinney as Eddie – Sophie’s ex-boyfriend, a struggling farmer unable to decide whether to hold on to his integrity or surrender to the circumstances.
Anthony Edwards as Jacob Leifman – A public figure who holds some connections with Clonestra.
Griffin Dunne as Peter Landell – A whistleblower with a convoluted backstory, very much hiding truths in plain sight.
Kunal Nayyar as Serge Negani – A scientist of high morals whose outcomes highlight the consequences of dissent.
Beth Grant as Kristin Kessler – Sophie’s mother, a devoted activist who becomes estranged from her daughter.
Nick Bonn as Garrett Kessler – Sophie’s child who suffers from an undiagnosed condition that serves as the catalyst for the climax of the film.
Main Ideas and Lessons
Consumed examines the struggle between an individual’s beliefs and the order of society. There is a stark juxtaposition between the common people – parents, farmers, and scientists – and the corporations that dominate the economy and control the policy relevant to public eating.
One of the aspects the movie highlights is awareness of food labeling and advertising. One can relate to Sophie’s journey from a concerned mother to an unintentional activist as a reflection of many people’s journeys towards understanding and questioning the sources of their food. The film criticizes the mechanisms in place for the labeling and regulation of food in the industry, advancing the idea that people have no idea what goes on.
Also, one can identify the need for social responsibility in business and science. Serge, Peter, and characters like them show the audience how deep scientific research can be buried when sizing giants face budget slashing. The balance between entrepreneurship and public health is scary and the impact of silencing whistle-blowers shown is heart-wrenching.
Furthermore, Consumed deals with trust, family, and perseverance. Sophie’s mother-son relationship adds emotional depth to the narrative that in other less skilled hands might have felt jarringly utterly political. These more intimate issues motivate the film and assist in illustrating heterogenous concepts.
Reaction and Impact
The film has received average reviews with an IMDb rating of approximately 5.6. Some viewers were distracted by a perceived slow pace, while others felt the film’s tone was overly didactic. Conversely, some spectators applauded the film’s efforts to address a politically sensitive issue with compassion and subtlety.
Critics have noted Zoe Lister-Jones’ performance for balancing vulnerability and strength, blending well with the film’s cinematography and score that further emphasize the idea that dread lies in plain sight.
Although it may not have gained significant box office success, the film has sparked discussion amongst advocacy groups and those interested in food politics, public health, and environmental issues.
Final Thoughts
A striking film, Consumed highlights a mother’s search for clarity while exposing the secrecy and deceit of food corporations. Although it does not attempt to answer every question it raises, the film effectively provokes thoughtful discourse about the food industry, its convenience, and lack of transparency.
Now more than ever, at a time when institutions are losing public trust and when people are becoming selective in their consumption choices, the relevance of Consumed stands out. It’s blend of powerful storytelling and political undertones encourages the audience to look past the gaudy supermarket shelves and ponder deeply on what they are truly consuming.
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