Ciaran:

Tár  is a character drama following highly acclaimed orchestral conductor, Lydia Tár, as she comes to perform her magnum opus: an interpretation of Mahler's Fifth. Though I found the first act a bit pretentious in it’s efforts to capture high society elitism, it sets up an almost deified figure in that of Lydia Tár. Watching this film offer a really compelling debate around whether or not the art outweighs the artist and shows us a person who fails herself and others in service to selfish ends. It’s a work of fiction but there have been many celebrities this film could have actually been talking about, I was suitably impressed by the unique themes and the exceptional lead performance from Cate Blanchett.

3.5 stars.

Sarah:

Be warned the first half hour or so of this movie is pretty dull – but once it gets going it is really engrossing. I wouldn’t have continued watching it if it hadn’t been recommended to me, but was glad I did. There are elements of psychological suspense and interesting and unexpected character developments as well as amazing acting from Cate Blanchett who plays the leading role. What I enjoyed most about this movie was that there was no nicely packaged ending, and I was left wondering whether the theme of the story was about the consequences of choosing ultimately selfish behaviour, or the ease at which we can judge others choices without concrete evidence, or both.

4.5 stars.

Overall: 4 stars

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