Why All Moms Need to Watch Consumed

There’s something about being a mother that boosts that womanly intuition we all have. That mama-bear protective mode that we go into when we are worried about the health and safety of our children. It seems a worried mother can accomplish anything, and the lead character in the film CONSUMED shows just that.

The movie centers around mom Sophie, played by Zoe Lister-Jones, and her son, Garrett. He’s stricken with a mystery illness, and Sophie finds him covered in vomit in his bed one morning. Garrett develops a severe skin rash and despite trips to the doctor, no answers are given. Although this is a fictional film this scenario is one that happens in real life. Moms are wondering why their child is crying with stomach pain or covered in a rash. And just like real moms, Sophie is desperate to find answers regarding her son.

Her search for those answers leads her to discover Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) as a possible cause. She finds reports from other people experiencing similar symptoms, and as Sophie digs further she becomes convinced there’s a link between genetically modified foods and what is wrong with her son. The film, though centered around Sophie and her son, weaves between parallel stories of those somehow affected by GMOs.

It’s feels like a story ripped from the headlines. GMOs are a hot topic of discussion as of late. Years ago it seemed very few people had even heard the term “GMO.” Now, concern regarding GMOs is growing with 40% of Americans saying GMOs in their food is extremely important to them. As awareness of GMOs grow people are asking if they are really safe. With little to no independent research, these chemicals are being tested on us. There is no telling what the long-term effects could be. This uncertainty about their safety might be why GMOs are restricted or banned in 61 other countries. As parents, like Sophie, do their own research on GM crops and the chemicals that douse them, there is evidence to suggest they could be causing us harm. Glyphosate, the most commonly used herbicide on GM crops has been labeled as a likely carcinogen by the World Health Organization– and we are eating it and feeding it to our children.

That scary thought, along with Sophie’s maternal instincts, prompts her to make a change in her son’s diet. She frantically tosses the foods Garett normally eats and sets out to buy food that doesn’t contain genetically modified ingredients. When Sophie gets to the store, she’s overwhelmed at the realization that she simply doesn’t know which foods are contaminated with GMOs. Coupled with a history of mental illness, Sophie panics at the grocery store. It’s a feeling you may have experienced before too. It can be overwhelming when you discover you don’t really know what’s in your food, especially if it could be harming your family.

These concerns have led to a noticeable shift in the US where food companies are still not required to inform the consumer if their product contains GMOs. Not knowing what’s in the food we eat is just not acceptable for some Americans, and they are demanding a change. Some states have passed laws requiring food labeling identifying GMO ingredients. Non GMO verification has become a sought out seal of approval for consumers and companies alike. Now, the demand for GMO labeling has reached a turning point with companies such as Dannon, General Mills, and Kellogg’s who have opted to go ahead and label their products even thought there is no law requiring it.

The message that runs through the film is not only one about GMOs and our food supply, but also about the power we have as individuals, as mothers. Sophie’s intuition drove her to find the root cause of her son’s illness, and her maternal instinct drove her to push for a resolution. Ultimately she is face to face with the CEO of the biotech company that’s responsible for the GMO food making Garrett sick. She appeals to him as concerned parent with evidence in hand. It may seem we as mothers can’t take on a big corporations, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Mamavation it’s that moms rally together. We support one another, we protect one another and each other’s children, and we have enough power and influence to elicit big changes.

CONSUMED is a reminder that we shouldn’t just sit back and be consumed by the system. We are the consumer, and we hold the power. If we stop buying a product, the companies will adapt to our needs. If moms demand safer food without toxic chemicals and pesticides, the market will shift to provide just that. It’s happening as many American’s are having the wake up call that Sophie had.

It’s an important film to watch as it calls into question the motives and tactics being used to keep the current food system intact. It also reaffirms that we should listen to our gut, especially when our children’s health is at risk. That’s why Mamavation readers can receive an exclusive savings of 15% off CONSUMED to have the opportunity to see this film. Use either of the codes below to buy or rent CONSUMED:

Use code mamabuy to purchase CONSUMED at a 15% savings ($12.99)

Use code mamarent to rent CONSUMED at a 15% savings ($5.99)

This fictional thriller is not only entertaining, but also informative. It boasts an impressive cast made up of Zoe Lister-Jones (Life in Pieces), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon), Victor Garber (Argo), Beth Grant (Mindy Project), Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire), Anthony Edwards (Top Gun), Kunal Nayyar (Big Bang Theory), Griffin Dunne (Dallas Buyers Club), among others.

For more information about CONSUMED visit www.consumedthemovie.com