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Towelhead

Play trailer Poster for Towelhead R 2008 2h 8m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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49% Tomatometer 111 Reviews 58% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
At age 13, Jasira (Summer Bishil) lives with her mother, Gail (Maria Bello), in upstate New York, but is then sent to live with her rigid, emotionally distant Lebanese father, Rifat (Peter Macdissi), in Houston. Jasira, who is struggling with her emerging sexuality, finds herself subjected to the taunts of racist schoolmates, the sexual advances of her new boyfriend, Thomas (Eugene Jones), and the inappropriate yet titillating attentions of handsome, married neighbor Mr. Vuoso (Aaron Eckhart).
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Towelhead

Towelhead

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Critics Consensus

This story of politics, race and, sexual awakening has moments that pack a punch, but overall, Towelhead never quite achieves the nuance of helmer Alan Ball's television work.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader 12/17/2008
As a director [Ball] amplifies the flaws in his own writing; his supporting characters are too broadly pitched to take seriously, and he tends to smack you in the face with the point of every scene. Go to Full Review Jonathan F. Richards Film.com 12/11/2008
There is hardly a scene that does not produce exquisite discomfort and a strong desire to be somewhere else. Go to Full Review Peter Howell Toronto Star 10/24/2008
1.5/4
It is certainly possible to make a transgressive movie about children in sexual jeopardy, and to do so in ways that realistically and intelligently depict the abuse while not revelling in it. Go to Full Review Kelly Vance East Bay Express 08/15/2011
Towelhead isn't a movie, it's a loaded gun. Go to Full Review Fernando F. Croce CinePassion 08/26/2009
The discomfort zones of a young girl cry for sympathetic toughness, not Ball's snickering at pubic hair and clammy suburbanites Go to Full Review Felix Vasquez Jr. Cinema Crazed 02/09/2009
3/4
A philosophy of the appeal of innocence and perversion in a repressed world... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Stephen C @bob25009 Jul 26 Success in 2 hours and 8 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated R for Disturbing Sexual Content, Abuse Involving a Young Teen, Involving Teen and Language!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $371,400.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Wendel L @BRZRKR 12/15/2024 Direção: Ok Atuação: Bom Roteiro: Ok Caracterização: Ok Soundtrack: Ruim See more Bob P 04/16/2024 Summer Bishil delivers a riveting performance as a 13 year old girl discovering her sexuality while living with a disciplinarian father. There are some unsettling scenes in this movie but it outstanding and worth the moments of discomfort. See more Leo I 09/03/2023 It's not for the faint of heart and deals with sexual abuse/physical abuse of a 13 year old girl which is depicted on screen. The 3.5 stars is for its realistic depiction of cultural and sexual themes. A victim will get triggered by what is shown though. It's not a perfect movie by any means but the script and pacing are pretty good. It is NOT a fun or casual watch. The young actress that plays the girl (an adult) did a great job. There are some great performances in this and ultimately there is a message and I do believe something relatable and teachable RE sexual abuse of minors. But as I said, it's difficult to watch and it had me at times shocked and audibly saying "eew". It is not a re watch type movie but I'm not upset I watched it because I felt it was good to honor the experiences of many people that go through similar things. See more steve d 12/26/2022 Surprisingly uncomfortable and not at all engaging. See more 11/08/2020 A very honest portrayal of racism in America. See more Read all reviews
Towelhead

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Cast & Crew

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Alan Ball

Director

Summer Bishil

Jasira

Aaron Eckhart

Mr. Vuoso

Peter Macdissi

Rifat

Toni Collette

Melina

Maria Bello

Gail

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Towelhead

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Movie Info

Synopsis At age 13, Jasira (Summer Bishil) lives with her mother, Gail (Maria Bello), in upstate New York, but is then sent to live with her rigid, emotionally distant Lebanese father, Rifat (Peter Macdissi), in Houston. Jasira, who is struggling with her emerging sexuality, finds herself subjected to the taunts of racist schoolmates, the sexual advances of her new boyfriend, Thomas (Eugene Jones), and the inappropriate yet titillating attentions of handsome, married neighbor Mr. Vuoso (Aaron Eckhart).
Director
Alan Ball
Producer
Ted Hope, Steven Rales, Alan Ball
Screenwriter
Alan Ball
Distributor
Warner Independent
Production Co
This Is That Productions, Your Face Goes Here Entertainment, Indian Paintbrush
Rating
R (Disturbing Sexual Content|Abuse Inv. A Young Teen|Involving Teen|Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 12, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$371.4K
Runtime
2h 8m
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