Parallel Chords

source: Parallel Chords

I am an avid watcher of indie films, I love the spirit and direction that can be taken when a large studio is not overseeing production. That said, I loved this film. All the actors brought so much to the screen and took the story beyond it's limits. It was deep and successful at driving home the point. Having adult friends who are music savants, I can see the obsession being all too real. A must see. So happy Amazon chose to pick this one up and support the industry.

I am not normally a drama watcher.....But being an indie film I gave it a chance. An inspiring look at the struggles that talented and creative people go through. Both father and daughter were amazing. It was relatable and well done team. Definitely a watch

A touching story about the relationship between a young woman and her father, her relationship with herself, and her relationship with the world around her, as she decides to buck patriarchal expectation and chart her own path. The acting and cinematography were great. But, I felt some of the performances were hindered in parts by some of the writing, which left some of the dialogue feeling a bit at odds with the emotion of what was happening. However, the facial and physical blocking, reactions, and presence all felt right. Without giving much away, there were glimpses of the protagonist's internality in key moments of the film, and I was left a little dissatisfied with how these flashes were never more capitalized on or given too much of a focus. The father is clearly struggling with mental health issues throughout the film, so I wasn't sure if we were going to see the residual ripples of that manifest in our lead. If the intention was to leave this aspect more obscure and up to the viewer, it still felt like there was room to push this further. Overall, a good film with a positive message, good score, and some solid performances. Give it a watch sometime on Amazon Prime or Tubi, if this is the sort of story you're hungry for.

Wow, I had no idea this film would move me the way it did. I found myself really reflecting on my own relationship with my dad since that is the emotional touchstone of the story for me. Parallel Chords is so incredibly well done and impactful, it deserves the praise it's getting. I was so taken with the lead actress' performance as well. The dynamic between her and her father is riveting. Well directed, written and produced, I highly recommend this touching film. Excellent work, all around.

Writer-Director Catherine Dudley-Rose did an outstanding job capturing the raw, delicate and painful journey to choose one's life path in light of tremendous parental pressure. The film touched me to my core, from the cinematography to the acting and nuance of each scene. Through it, I am taken back to my own childhood and preteen/teen memories of wanting to follow my dreams, yet feeling trapped by others' expectations; needing to break free from others who wanted to live through me or control my life; going along with certain things hoping to receive love, affection and unconditional acceptance; being traumatized by my experiences while no one noticed, and feeling so alone and misunderstood. I wiped my tears away throughout the film, and realized so much about how I came to be who I am, who I want to become and that California is my New York. It's definitely worth watching!

I found the performances to be real and sincere allowing for the audience to see the delicate relationship between father and daughter. I especially appreciate their bond and love of music as what keeps them together also is what seems to create dissonance. A beautiful and classic film to be enjoyed thanks to the talent of the cast, director, and screen writer.

At the core of this gut-wrenching drama is a father-daughter relationship desperately in need of repair, if not an actual intervention. But here it addresses a world that is often misunderstood and seldom revealed - that of classical music training and the uniquely skilled sensitivity required in the instruction of children, some beginning their instruments as young as five years old. In this case a violinist and her famous pianist father. But make no mistake, this could just as easily have been about a young gymnast and her trainer or a young dancer and her back stage mother. Beneath all the great music and the tumultuous emotion it's important to remember that the music being interpreted by children in training was in most cases composed by mature artists from another age and often times old enough to be the young instrumentalist's grandfather. I like here that the young violinist, played wonderfully by Rachel Ann in her feature film debut, kept her love of music alive by experimenting with other forms of music, seen here as an act of sympathetic rebellion to her father's overly disciplined concert world. Give this indie film a watch. All the festival awards well-deserved.

Beautifully written film about a very challenging family dynamic. Love the depth of the characters, and the story is a beautiful cross between heartache and hope. Talent abounds in the cast!! Highly recommend this drama.

Riveting depiction of the dichotomy of staying true to one's calling and passion, while grappling with the pressure of familial expectations. A daughter eager to find her own way and creative expression in the world, and a father fearful of losing her both her,and his own relevance as a result. Truly original coming of age story that is beautiful,jarring, touching,and redeeming, paired with a captivating score.

Congratulations to director-screenwriter, Catherine Dudley-Rose, for creating such a beautiful and touching story! "Parallel Chords" follows the struggle between a father and daughter. Dad wants to direct his daughter's future into becoming a famous violinist but she struggles to feel passionate about that path. The acting was incredible. I was very impressed with the lead actress Rachel Ann. I'm not much of a music junkie personally but this story drew me in very fast and encouraged me to reflect on my own relationship with my parents. I did try to play violin when I was younger but I couldn't stand practicing. My dad would always tell me I had to practice because he was paying for it- that really discouraged me. So, eventually I quit. Thank you Catherine for creating such a terrific film! I can't wait to see what comes next!