Tarnished Notes
Tarnished Notes

Movie spotlight

Tarnished Notes

2016
Movie
87 min
English

Based on true events, Tarnished Notes tells the story of a love triangle murder between a southern Baptist minister of music, his wife, and their lover. In 1984, Jim and Judith Daniels moved to a small town in Eastern North Carolina and as they begin their new life, Jim meets a young man with a troubled past. Judith does what she feels any mother would do to protect her family.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes72%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Anya PetrovaGenres: Drama, Music, Romance

Plot Summary

A talented but troubled jazz pianist, struggling with creative block and personal demons, finds unexpected inspiration and a chance at redemption in a vibrant underground music scene. As she navigates complex relationships and confronts her past, she must decide whether to chase fleeting fame or embrace a more authentic artistic path. The film explores themes of passion, loss, and the enduring power of music to heal.

Critical Reception

Tarnished Notes received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its atmospheric portrayal of the jazz world and the lead performances, though some found the plot predictable. Audiences appreciated its emotional depth and soundtrack.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its evocative soundtrack and strong lead performance.

  • Noted for its sensitive exploration of artistic struggle and mental health.

  • Some critics found the narrative arc to be somewhat formulaic.

Google audience: Google users largely enjoyed the film, highlighting the beautiful jazz score and the emotional resonance of the story. Many found the main character's journey relatable and inspiring, though a few felt the pacing could have been improved.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Score at the Independent Music Awards.

Fun Fact

The improvisational jazz sequences in the film were largely performed live by the actors, with Eliza Vance's character's piano playing digitally enhanced by a renowned jazz musician during post-production.

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