Alan Ball's extraordinarily uncomfortable look at middle America suburbanites is a provocative expose on race, sexuality, politics, and the dark side of human nature. To give a little more insight into the film's controversial subject matter, one need look no further then the bold title.
Summer Bishill gives a powerful performance as Jasira, a thirteen year old Arab American girl whose recently divorced mother (played by Maria Bello) forces the young and confused girl to move in with her strict, Lebanese father (played by Peter Macdissi) in a small Texas neighborhood. While adjusting to her new life, Jasira is either physically or emotionally abused by just about every person she comes into contact with.
There is no question that Ball's film – based on a novel by Alicia Erian - will make you squirm, but it's also a surprisingly hopeful film. Set in a universe not unlike American Beauty, Towelhead features characters who are forced to confront their own insidious flaws. In this regard, the film treads Crash waters, only here the proceedings are far more subtle.
The performances are outstanding right across the board. Newcomer Summer Bishill gives a fearless, uninhibited turn as the confused Jasira. Peter Macdissi is a revelation as Summer's stern father, and his final moments are amongst the picture's finest. Aaron Eckhart - coming off his outstanding portrayal of Harvey Dent in the box office juggernaut The Dark Knight – expertly plays Summer's next door neighbor Travis. This man commits Towelhead's most despicable act, but through it all, Eckhart manages to keep Travis human. No easy accomplishment. Rounding out the stellar cast is the wonderful Toni Collette. Her character appears to provide the sole voice of reason in this seemingly upside down universe.
Towelhead is one of those pictures that is destined to upset many people with it's frank, honest, and disturbing subject matter. If you do see it and feel compelled to walk out in the first half, stay put. This is a profound piece of film making from the creator of Six Feet Under and the writer of American Beauty, and you need to see the entire film through to truly understand it's overall impact. This a stunning movie.