TÁR

Lydia Tár is introduced as a revered composer-conductor, making history as the first openly gay female chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Her groundbreaking achievements have solidified her reputation in the classical music world, making her an influential figure in an otherwise male-dominated field.

During an engaging interview with Adam Gopnik at the New Yorker Festival, Lydia discusses her recent projects, including a live recording of Mahler's 5th Symphony. This moment captures her passion for music and her ambitious plans for the future.

In a pivotal lunch meeting with fellow conductor Eliot Kaplan, Lydia considers the future direction of her orchestra. This conversation sheds light on her desire to replace the current assistant conductor, Sebastian, with her assistant Francesca, highlighting Lydia's strategic approach to management.

While serving as a guest instructor at Juilliard, Lydia's unyielding criticism of student Max provokes controversy. Her insistence on a return to classical ideals amid discussions of identity politics leads to Max feeling frustrated enough to leave her class.

Lydia receives a novel titled 'Challenge' from Krista Taylor, a former associate. This book rekindles painful memories of their troubled, transactional relationship, revealing Lydia's past mistakes and the consequences of her actions.

At a blind audition for a cello position, Lydia encounters the captivating Olga Metkina. Her attraction leads her to manipulate the audition's results, paving the way for Olga's inclusion in the orchestra, which sets off a series of personal and professional conflicts.

As Lydia becomes consumed with the preparation for the recording of Mahler's 5th, tensions rise with her assistant Francesca and her spouse Sharon. Their growing concern over Lydia's infatuation with Olga strains their relationships and adds pressure to Lydia's already chaotic life.

After informing Sebastian of his impending replacement, Lydia faces backlash and accusations of favoritism. This moment underscores the toxic environment within her orchestra and raises questions about her leadership and ethical conduct.

The narrative takes a dark turn as Krista tragically takes her own life, leaving behind grave accusations against Lydia. This shocking event not only threatens Lydia's career but also forces her to confront the damaged relationships and mistakes of her past.

In the aftermath of Krista's death, Lydia orders Francesca to delete incriminating emails while seeking legal guidance. The impending lawsuit from Krista's family creates an oppressive atmosphere that heightens Lydia's anxiety and desperation.

As her life spirals out of control, Lydia grapples with psychological turmoil, haunted by her past choices. When an edited video of her lecture goes viral, public outrage erupts, culminating in protests during her return to New York for a book promotion.

In an impulsive moment during a live performance, Lydia confronts Eliot onstage, revealing the extent of her unraveling. This public outburst is emblematic of her loss of composure in both personal and professional spheres.

Seeking refuge from the chaos, Lydia flees to her childhood home on Staten Island. Here, she confronts her true identity, realizing her real name is Linda Tarr, and grapples with family tensions, leading to a moment of personal reckoning.

Months later, Lydia finds herself conducting an orchestra in the Philippines, where her perception of reality begins to blur. The experience evokes both nostalgia and discomfort as she faces familiar yet unsettling scenarios from her past.

The film culminates with Lydia conducting a new orchestra, embodying mixed emotions as she navigates her complex journey. While surrounded by devoted cos-players for a film adaptation score, echoes of her tumultuous past continue to resonate in her present.