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.
Director: Todd Field
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Nina Hoss, Sophie Kauer, Julian Glover, Allan Corduner, Mark Strong
Release Date: October 7, 2022
Genre: Drama, Music
Rated R for some language and brief nudity
Runtime: 2h 38m
Review:
Todd Field's Tár is an immersive and engaging character study lead by a singular turn from Cate Blanchett. Field's film is a methodical trek into the central character's life, dropping bits and pieces of narrative and themes along the way. It's a masterclass in subtly as quieter moments and more charged moments are all so densely packed with meaning that it requires your attention throughout. There's a glossy veneer presented from the onset of the film but there's also an unsettling, disquieting undercurrent that's every present until its final act where things begin to unravel. Cate Blanchett disappears into her character with incredible ease. This performance isn't your typical awards showcase that requires big showy moments instead this is a case study in nuance. It's the kind of performance where looks shared between characters delivers volumes worth of information. Blanchett owns every moment she's on screen and its film from start to finish but the supporting cast is just as dialed in with each making the most of their screen time. Once Tár heads into its final act the script and cast deliver some surprising moments which feel organic and earned, a credit to the level of craftmanship from both sides of the camera.
A
