Sew Torn Offers a Wondrously Twisted Perspective on Cozy Crime
The “cozy crime” genre is recognized for fusing murder mysteries with a quirky, often delightful aesthetic. Picture amateur detectives in Only Murders in the Building, balancing homicide inquiries with podcasting disagreements, or the pastel-infused realm of Pushing Daisies, where a pie-maker solves crimes by momentarily bringing the dead back to life. Enter Sew Torn, a creative indie crime comedy crafted by Freddy Macdonald.
Sew Torn begins with a botched drug deal and quickly evolves into a complex narrative focusing on an unexpected lawbreaker: Barbara Duggen, a soft-spoken mobile seamstress portrayed by Eve Connolly (Vikings). What ensues is a darkly humorous, visually striking tale that intricately weaves together crime, comedy, and character in surprising ways.
What’s the Plot of Sew Torn?
Situated in a scenic mountain village, Sew Torn presents Barbara, who manages a small tailoring enterprise featuring custom embroidery and alterations. She operates under the legacy of her deceased mother, the original mobile seamstress, and finds herself quietly overwhelmed by familial expectations and financial burdens.
One day, while returning from a job, Barbara stumbles upon a grisly roadside scene: two injured gangsters, scattered narcotics, and a briefcase full of cash. Seizing the moment, she identifies it as “a perfect crime” and embarks on a mission to erase her tracks—not through brute force, but with the resourcefulness of a seamstress. Utilizing her sewing kit, she devises a makeshift Rube Goldberg contraption to tidy up the chaos. However, like many flawless plans, hers takes an unexpected turn.
A Tale of Second Chances and Oddball Characters
Sew Torn draws narrative inspiration from Run Lola Run, the 1998 German thriller which examined various outcomes stemming from a single event. Following Barbara’s initial failure at the heist, the film rewinds and presents her with another opportunity. This time, she contacts the authorities—or specifically, the single police officer in town: a straightforward yet compassionate sheriff played by K Callan (Poker Face, Knives Out). Her character injects a Coen brothers-esque comedic flair, skillfully cutting through deception with a blend of patience and sharp wit.
As the plot unfolds across multiple narrative threads, Barbara’s deeds entangle her with a vibrant ensemble: a hesitant gangster (Calum Worthy), a frantic thug (Thomas Douglas), a loquacious embroidery enthusiast (Ron Cook), and a merciless crime mogul (John Lynch). Each character shines in their own right, whether through menace, humor, or pathos, all intricately woven into the film’s distinctive structure.
Eve Connolly Excels in the Protagonist Role
Despite the film brimming with eccentric personalities and slapstick humor, Connolly’s Barbara stands as the steady core. She serves as the straight-faced anchor amid the turmoil, her subdued nature concealing a shrewd intellect. Connolly’s portrayal is rich in nuance—her facial expressions and body language convey a wealth of emotion, even with minimal dialogue.
This inward focus makes the film’s climax all the more astonishing, as Barbara is propelled into a surreal, high-energy dance sequence. It’s not a moment of celebration but a frantic tactic—one of the film’s most visually captivating and emotionally charged scenes. It underscores Connolly’s versatility, allowing her to transition from quiet intensity to dynamic physicality seamlessly.
A Visually Lush, Ingeniously Constructed Crime Comedy
Macdonald amplifies the film’s whimsical atmosphere with a striking color palette. Bold hues—such as the intense blue of Barbara’s eyes, the blood red, and the vibrant yellow thread on her teal Volkswagen—stand out against the muted scenery of her tranquil village. These colors serve more than just a decorative purpose; they symbolize Barbara’s ability to either mend or dismantle the fabric of her world.
Sew Torn transcends being merely a quirky crime adventure. It stands as a clever, stylish film that balances humor against tension and whimsy against grit. With its inventive structure, unforgettable characters, and a standout portrayal from Connolly, it presents a refreshing twist on the cozy crime genre. Whether Barbara is avoiding gunfire or sewing garments, she keeps us hooked—and speculating—right until the very end.
Sew Torn had its premiere at SXSW 2024 and is currently showing in theaters.
UPDATE: May 8, 2025, 12:03 p.m. EDT — This review was initially published on March 11, 2024, as part of Mashable’s SXSW 2024 coverage. It has been updated to reflect the film’s theatrical release.