Towelhead

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Towelhead

R

Released Sep 12, 2008

2h 8m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

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.

Dec 17, 2008

Full Review

Jonathan F. Richards

Film.com

There is hardly a scene that does not produce exquisite discomfort and a strong desire to be somewhere else.

Dec 11, 2008

Full Review

Peter Howell

Toronto Star

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.

Rated: 1.5/4

Oct 24, 2008

Full Review

Kelly Vance

East Bay Express

Towelhead isn't a movie, it's a loaded gun.

Aug 15, 2011

Full Review

Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

The discomfort zones of a young girl cry for sympathetic toughness, not Ball's snickering at pubic hair and clammy suburbanites

Aug 26, 2009

Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

A philosophy of the appeal of innocence and perversion in a repressed world...

Rated: 3/4

Feb 9, 2009

Full Review

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Stephen C

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

Full Review

Wendel L

Direção: Ok Atuação: Bom Roteiro: Ok Caracterização: Ok Soundtrack: Ruim

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/24

Full Review

Bob P

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/16/24

Full Review

Leo I

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/03/23

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steve d

Surprisingly uncomfortable and not at all engaging.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

A very honest portrayal of racism in America.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

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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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80%

86%

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54%

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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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