Tár – Film Review

Renowned musician Lydia Tár is days away from recording the symphony that will elevate her career. When all elements seem to conspire against her, Lydia’s adopted daughter Petra becomes an integral emotional support for her struggling mother.

Todd Field hasn’t made a film before Tár since 2006, probably causing many to think that he was done working behind the camera. But with Tár, he’s proved that he will only return to make films if it’s a story that’s genuinely gripping and one that will leave a lasting imprint on you long after the credits roll, which is exactly what this film did to me.

This is a psychological drama that truly makes you feel as if you’re living through the lens of this person. The character of Lydia Tár is easily one of the best of the year as she truly comes across as a real person going through some complex struggles while also being hailed as one of the best composers in the entire world.

Of course, that kind of reputation will weigh a ton on anyone’s shoulders. If you get put on a pedestal that high, any wrong move will make the world look at you differently, and this film does an excellent job of exploring how Tár must navigate her everyday life while also inspiring an entire orchestra.

Even if you have zero interest in music or orchestras, you’ll find yourself spellbound by this film’s sense of wonder and its grandiose scale. Despite being a tightly knit drama, it feels like a truly epic event movie that, once it gets going, refuses to let go of its vicious grip on you.

The first act is definitely a bit of a chore to get through as it essentially exists to set up our lead protagonist and explore the kind of person she is. But once the second act kicks into gear, the film practically becomes a non-stop juggernaut of entertainment that’s thoroughly enjoyable even if it’s far too long at two-and-a-half hours.

Cate Blanchett is a large part as to why this movie works as well as it does. She delivers a performance that feels so raw and emotionally layered to the point where she disappears into the role the moment she steps on-screen. Oscar voters should definitely have her name on the ballot this awards season.

It’s also a film that boasts some of the best sound design of the entire year, which is definitely quite important for a film that essentially revolves all around music. It’s the beating heart of this searing drama and it shows you just how all-encompassing music can be in our lives in more ways than one.

Tár is a brilliantly executed psychological drama that benefits from a sharp script by writer/director Todd Field and a career-best performance from Cate Blanchett.