On a String Review: Hanging on by a Thread

On a String captures both the frustration and determination of someone desperate to turn their true calling into a reality.

Isabel is part of a quartet that plays at various functions as musical entertainment. Still, none of the guests at these events seem to notice that they even exist, let alone appreciate their performances. That is until Isabel meets Carl (Frederick Weller), who plays guitar as a hobby, and asks Isabel if she’d be interested in being his daughter’s music teacher. As time goes on, it’s clear there’s some chemistry between them, yet he’s a married man, which muddles the waters.

To complicate matters even further, her jerk of an ex shows back up out of the blue. Though he might not be the best romantic partner, as the newest cellist member of the Philharmonic, he encourages Isabel to audition for them. Could this be the moment she’s waited for her entire life and what finally brings her what she’s desperately wanted for all these years?

Though Isabel is an adult in On a String, the narrative plays out very much like a coming-of-age tale through our main character. The film reflects the fierce determination of someone who believes a specific career path is their life’s purpose and their unwavering commitment to achieving that goal. It also demonstrates how people can feel lonely and lost when everything they’ve strived for in their lives feels forever out of reach. 

Due to this, as someone holds out for the life they’ve longed for and wishes to feel seen and appreciated, they may seek out human connection in all the wrong places. In Isabel’s case, her loneliness leads her to attempt to rekindle a romance with an old flame, who is somewhat toxic. Deep down, she probably knows this past love is better left alone, but it’s familiar and perhaps a bit safe. In addition, Isabel finds herself having to resist temptation with a new man who is extremely attractive to her but is off-limits. Though he’s forbidden fruit, during their interactions, she feels a surge of excitement, and it’s become a welcome distraction from her monotonous daily life.

Writer, director, and producer Hagen, who also plays our lead, deepens the audience’s connection to our main character, as she is a Juilliard graduate and a violist herself. Due to this, everything viewers witness through Isabel’s journey feels authentic, rooted in some of the creator’s actual lived experiences. Isabel’s musical performances are genuine because, as a violist, Hagen is actually the one playing the instrument. The director also attended Julliard, so we know that much of the humor and the nuances surrounding the story of a struggling musician is something she’s more likely to understand on a deeper level and demonstrate effectively through the story.

Another element that adds to the film’s relatability is the frustration Isabel faces while chasing what she believes is her true calling. Many of us have had dreams and/or life goals that we may have wanted to pursue that feel unobtainable. On a String solidifies that when we have a deep love and passion for a career or hobby, we’re willing to do whatever it takes to make it a significant part of our lives. 

For everything that On a String does right, if I had one criticism, the film progresses in a meandering fashion, lacking any real build-up towards its conclusion. The big event at the end of the movie is Isabel’s audition for the Philharmonic and what the outcome will be. However, there’s no sense of suspense up until that point. When that moment finally arrives, it lands without much of an impact.

Despite its somewhat underwhelming ending, On a String is still a promising debut from Hagen that encourages viewers to pursue their ambitions and follow their true calling.

On a String had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5, 2025 and will be screened again on June 7-15.