Towelhead
User Score
6.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 5 out of 21

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  1. Joan
    Oct 1, 2008
    3
    I did sense the germ of an important story in this film; however, as a big fan of Alan Ball's 6 FEET UNDER, I was shocked at the poor writing in this film. Although the lines were spoken by a strong ensemble of actors, I felt as if I was watching a first-time student film...very disappointed.
  2. JanS.
    Jan 12, 2009
    3
    I found this disturbing in a unsettling feeling of discust for the making of a sex abuse issue a pretty thing. I found it boring, way too long and should have not gotten the ratings it did.
  3. BrandenR.
    Jan 27, 2009
    2
    Why was this movie made? It had no redeeming qualities in it.
  4. Dale
    Aug 12, 2009
    4
    The film is artless, harsh, an stripped of any mystery. The performances are good, and Summer Bishi is highly promising. I'm glad I saw it just to see her fine work.
  5. BartJ.
    Sep 17, 2008
    4
    Done before, but without the gratuitious smut.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
57 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 31
  3. Negative: 4 out of 31
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Zack Haddad
    100
    Racism, teen sex, and war are all hot button issues. When you are a young person these things can seem new and confusing. In Alan Ball’s genius Towelhead, all of those above mentioned subjects go hand-in-hand in a truly wonderful cinematic experience.
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  2. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    75
    Ball may not have the answers but he eloquently and forcefully explores some of the potential ramifications. The ending may be too pat, but the journey to get there - bitter, spicy, and poignant - more than compensates for any last-minute fumbles.
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  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    60
    The film is superbly acted (especially by Macdissi, who makes the father a borderline hysteric), but it's hard to know what to feel except, "How can any girl navigate this oversexualized culture?"
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