[CFF ’23] ‘Tearsucker’ review: Creepy thriller powered by two great performances

Tearsucker is a thriller screening at the  Chattanooga Film Festival. Lilly (Allison Walter, SlashFM) has recently left an abusive relationship and is going through the process of healing. When she meets the charming Tom (writer Sam Brittan) she decides to take a chance. He turns out to be a psychopath who preys on vulnerable women in order to duck their tears.

Though things move a little too slowly early on, there is an opportunity to get to know Lily. She has a strong support system in her friend Deb (Danielle McRae Spisso, You’re the Worst) and seems to have a handle on her life. She is still hurting, but is doing her best to move forward.

Tearsucker really opens up when Tom enters the picture. There is no mystery as to what his intentions are. From when he first meets Lily there is a sense that he is not all he is cracked up to be. His predatory nature is barely concealed. As more of his backstory is revealed, he becomes even more disturbing.

Everything is anchored by the strong performances of Walter and Brittan. Audiences will feel for Lily while being afraid of and disgusted by Tom. There is an awkward energy between the two that is engaging. That being said, the story is an emotional onslaught that will be too much for some.

Tearsucker has some over the top moments that will take even the most hardened genre fan aback. Much like Tom, the film preys on emotions which makes for a terrifying watch. It will prove to be a difficult watch for many, but the unsettling premise is hard to turn away from.

The Chattanooga Film Festival takes place June 23 – 29