Tribeca Film Festival 2025 Review: “On a String”

By Morgan Roberts

Director: Isabel Hagen
Writer: Isabel Hagen
Stars: Isabel Hagen, Dylan Baker, Ling Ling Huang, Karen Blood, Frederick Weller, Jamie Lee, John Kroner
Runtime: 78 minutes
Year: 2025

In her directorial debut, “On a String” Isabel Hagen explores the life of one musician as she tries to reignite her passion. Violist Isabel (Hagen) is at a crossroads in her life. Still living with her parents (Dylan Baker and Karen Blood) in their New York apartment. A Juilliard graduate, she spends much of her time playing gigs - weddings, funerals, dinner dates, galas, you name it - as part of a quartet with her friend Christine (Ling Ling Huang). Even though she is playing regularly, there is still something missing. Her life gets more complicated after meeting Carl, a man who she originally thinks is attracted to her but soon learns he’s interested in hiring her to tutor his daughter. As her lessons continue, Isabel and Carl’s professional relationship gets complicated.

Isabel (Isabel Hagen) in “On a String” | Tribeca Film Festival

The lives of professional musicians, especially in a city like New York, is a very particular journey. Some elements are relatable such as the continued uphill battle of existing as a millennial in a capitalist society or the power dynamics at play amongst men and women (in a more binary lens of gender). But there remain eccentricities only a working musician knows. The mental strain, the physical strain, the inconsistent work, and the clawing to keep any forward momentum. The film certainly highlights the array of work professional musicians can do; from film scores, paid events, teaching, professional musicians have a number of opportunities but when the next job is never guaranteed, it can create a debilitating grind.

“On a String” has a lot of charm, but outside of our central character, there are a plethora of thinly written characters. It does not always feel like a well-worn world we’re inhabiting with her. Isabel is a compelling character as she maintains her work while a New York Philharmonic audition looms over her. However, the film feels very isolating - maybe that was the intention. But given how many people populate her world, and knowing how creative spaces attract all kinds, it would’ve felt more fleshed out if our supporting characters were given a little more substance.

“On a String” certainly feels fresh and original with Hagen’s voice clearly shaping the film from only a perspective a professional musician can. Given its tight timeframe, the film sacrifices some opportunities to build some interesting layers through delving a touch deeper into the supporting characters. Nevertheless, its reminiscent feel and charm allow for the film to stand out.

Grade: C+
Pair This Film With: “As of Yet” (2021) dirs. Chanel James and Taylor Garron; “Goodbye, Petrushka” (2022) dir. Nicola Rose; “Guinevere” (1999) dir. Audrey Wells