Consumed

Consumed is a dramatic thriller from 2015 that combines abiding concerns about genetically modified foods and corporate greed, brought to life through a riveting narrative that's both informative and emotionally charged. The film is directed by Daryl Wein and co-written by him and Zoe Lister-Jones. Lister-Jones also stars in the movie, alongside Victor Garber, Danny Glover, and Beth Grant, among others. It's noteworthy for being the first fictional feature to address the controversial topic of GMOs, making it a significant entry in the genre of eco-thrillers.

Zoe Lister-Jones portrays the film's heroine, Sophie, a single mother who works as a waitress in a small town in rural Illinois. Following the dramatic sudden onset of unexplained health issues with her young son, Garrett, she is plunged headfirst into deep anxiety and fears, prompting her to start investigating the probable root causes. As her son's health continues to deteriorate and conventional medicine provides no answers, Sophie becomes increasingly distraught and desperate.

Her search for answers guides her towards an area of human technology and biology that few can truly grasp: genetically modified food. Suspicions are compounded by the fact that the dominant industry in her small town is big agriculture, in particular, the biotech company, Clonestra. As she digs deeper into her investigation, she finds herself unravelling a web of corporate conspiracy and political collusion.

Victor Garber gives a brilliant performance as Dan Castle, the CEO of the multinational biotech corporation, Clonestra, responsible for developing and marketing genetically modified seeds to the farmers in the area. Castle is portrayed as a silver-tongued executive, who outwardly appears to be concerned about feeding the world's expanding population while running a profitable corporate empire that disregards any potential side effects or ethical questions around genetic modification.

Beth Grant, an eccentric organic farmer named Aunt Izzy, becomes an unexpected ally to Sophie and Garrett in their struggle. Aunt Izzy, who holds controversial views about GMOs, and lives a life quite opposite to the industrial agriculture that surrounds her. She remains firm in her fight against the larger forces at play while also serving as an emotional anchor for Sophie.

As Sophie's investigation progresses, she gets more and more caught up with the questionable practices of the industry, and it becomes evident that there's much more to the story than it initially seemed. Fraud, corruption, and a desperate struggle between the individual and the powerful corporate entity all play out masterfully in this thought-provoking drama thriller.

The movie is no easy watch; it delivers a potent blend of real-life concerns for food safety, environmental sustainability, personal helplessness when confronted with immense, seemingly insurmountable forces, and the tenacity of a mother's love. It prompts compelling questions about what we put in our mouths and the life-long repercussions it can have on our health. It also underscores the vast discrepancies in information and power between large corporations and the general public.

Through excellent direction, impressive performances, and a nail-biting plot, Consumed manages to be both deeply moving and highly alarming. Although the subject matter may be uncomfortable for some, the movie never resorts to preaching. Instead of offering easy answers, it investigates the complexities and moral gray areas of genetic modification and corporate influence.

In conclusion, Consumed is a thrilling drama that bravely incorporates a hot-button issue into its narrative weave. This film is an education, a wake-up call, and a heart-rending human drama that steps beyond the usual popcorn entertainment. It's a startlingly provocative piece of social commentary that leads viewers to ponder the concept of how far industries can go to turn a profit and the consequences thereof. With its consummate acting, engaging narrative, and important underlying messages, Consumed is a sure-fire hit for those looking for that rare film that is not just intelligent and entertaining but also socially relevant.