Why ‘On a String’ Will Win You Over
Isabel Hagen took the “write what you know” saw seriously.
Hagen wrote, directs and stars in “On a String,” a slight but sublime comedy about a young viola player’s 20-something angst. Hagen is a classically trained violist, and boy does it show.
That’s a compliment.
“On a String” is the kind of indie offering that’s a snap to admire. The film gives us a glimpse at a subculture with an insider’s eye for detail. That illuminates the souls who make orchestral music soar.
And it has the drollest opening scene in recent memory. We’re hooked from the jump.
Hagen stars as Isabel, a young violist who makes a living with her string quartet. Her fellow musicians entertain at weddings, funerals and other events, an elegant touch that generates little acclaim.
She strives for something more, partly spurred on by her uptight family. Her scenes with her well-meaning father (Dylan Baker, perfectly cast) reveal some of the professional pressure she’s internalized for years.
That leaves Isabel a tad rudderless, pinging between an unctuous semi-boyfriend and dreams of joining a major orchestra.
She occasionally spars with her musician frenemy (Ling Ling Huang) and finds a surprise gig teaching a young girl the viola. That comes with strings attached, no pun remotely intended.
View this post on Instagram
Everything here is played in a minor key, but that doesn’t make the film less impactful. In fact, the story’s gentle consistency is a plus, as is Hagen’s low-fi performance. It’s sweet and endearing, and her flaws are oh, so relatable.
Hagen trusts the material enough to let it carry the narrative, letting her ease into Isabel’s plight without pushing too hard.
The plot isn’t the engine here, though. It’s more like a snapshot of a woman figuring out where she fits into a complicated world and how she can shape her future.
Who can’t relate to that at any age?
This isn’t belly-laugh funny, but the farcical moments flow from strong performances and dialed-in characters. Hagen isn’t willing to sell out her co-stars or diminish her protagonist for a guilty-pleasure giggle.
“On a String” is witty and wise, but the ending still feels more rushed than rewarding.
Supporting players add texture and humanity, qualities Hagen’s direction deserves. Frederick Weller (“Highest 2 Lowest”) is excellent as the father of Isabel’s young student, a character whose arc feels familiar but plays out in organic fashion.
“The Graduate” remains the ultimate take on a person stumbling into adulthood. “On a String’s” protagonist is a wee bit older, but she’s just as confused as Benjamin Braddock.
HiT or Miss: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 78 minutes
Where to Watch: In NYC theaters Sept. 11, wider Sept. 18)
Family Friendly? Adult language, sexual situations and nudity. (R)
The post Why ‘On a String’ Will Win You Over appeared first on Hollywood in Toto.
