Todd Field’s TÁR is a powerful character study about one woman whose immoral behavior soon catches up with her and derails her entire career. It features an exciting ensemble of talented actors and actresses, whose layered performances build upon Field’s rich script and forge a story that’s both a dark satire and a cautious warning against the world’s increasing reliance on cancel culture. Although the story clearly follows one character, it’s the people around her that really bring TÁR to life.
Field’s movie was met with widespread acclaim, and although TÁR’s critical reception was better than most audiences’, it’s been rewarded heavily across industry awards. The film received six nominations at the 2023 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. There’s clearly something about TÁR that’s resonating with audiences across the world. It’s filled with dark, dry humor that really sheds critical light on the concept of ‘canceling’ celebrities, analyzing the effects that this phenomenon is having on our society and questioning the validity (or falsehoods) of the entire process.
Cate Blanchett as Lydia Tár
The undeniable standout of TÁR’s cast is Cate Blanchett as the titular character, a renowned musician whose past exploits are resurfacing to haunt her as she makes her way toward the most important concert of her career. Lydia Tár is the ambiguous villain of her own story, consistently making things worse for herself as information begins to surface about her own involvement in a previous student’s suicide. Despite starting out as a compelling protagonist, Lydia quickly morphs into a much darker, complex character that audiences question themselves for relating to.
Blanchett’s performance as Tár is among the actress’ very best, which is not an easy feat considering her previous projects consist of Carol, Nightmare Alley, and The Aviator. She brings a chilling coldness to the role that she’s never really displayed before, turning the character into something incredibly complicated and impossible to understand. Blanchett perfectly captures Tár’s own narcissism and self-obsession, which effectively builds upon the film’s themes of power and obsession. It’s for this reason that Blanchett received a Best Actress nomination for her performance, and currently stands as a favorite to win the 2023 Oscar.
Nina Hoss as Sharon Goodnow
Also a talented musician and famous figure in the industry, Sharon Goodnow is Lydia Tár’s long-time partner. She’s played by Nina Hoss, a German actress who’s previously starred in movies such as Barbara, Phoenix, and Shadowplay. Despite being fairly unknown to international audiences, Hoss quickly steals the show once her character begins to suspect the ulterior motives and suspicious behavior of her partner. The relationship soon grows strained, with the endless weight of secrets and lies forging a crushing weight that tears the two women apart - in spite of their shared love for their daughter, Petra.
TÁR isn’t based on a true story, but the genius of Todd Field’s screenplay and the authenticity of Lydia and Sharon’s relationship had many audiences initially convinced that it must have been (via Collider). The grounded realism of their dynamic is among TÁR’s greatest assets, and it’s the on-screen chemistry between Blanchett and Hoss that really sells this idea. Sharon is a crucial character to this particular story, and while she might not have too much influence over the film’s events, her impact on Tár’s journey can easily be tracked throughout the movie.
Noémie Merlant as Francesca Lentini
Like any famous musician, Lydia Tár needs an assistant to complete those mundane everyday tasks for her. Francesca Lentini is that assistant, following Tár throughout her daily life and ensuring that everything runs smoothly for her - but once Tár’s allegations begin to surface, Francesca grows wary of her friend and attempts to distance herself. This toxic dynamic plays a huge role in TÁR’s thematic and complex ending - but the tensions are there from the beginning. The character is played by Noémie Merland, who made her breakthrough performance in 2019’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
Though she doesn’t have the most screen time in the movie, Merlant leaves a huge impression thanks to her character’s layered development and adaptation over the course of the story. Much like Lydia Tár, she has dreams about becoming the best in her field - but the pair’s main difference is that Lydia views her success as permission to act selfishly and abusively. Francesca is an ethical foil to Tár, emphasizing the immorality of her boss’ actions to the audience and proving that her abuse and bullying are a personal choice that only benefits herself.
Sophie Kauer as Olga Metkina
When the truth about Lydia Tár’s abusive behavior initially comes to light, it’s her student Olga Metkina that finds herself responsible for her mentor’s emotional support. TÁRs memorable Best Picture nomination proves just how strongly audiences connected with this story, and it’s Olga that really demands the viewer’s attention and sympathy as she falls deeper and deeper under Tár’s influence. She’s one of the few people that doesn’t believe Tár’s allegations of sexual misconduct - but that’s only because she’s set to be the conductor’s next victim.
It’s hard to pinpoint one person that suffers the most because of Lydia’s selfish behavior, but Olga certainly finds herself in the most danger. Kauer highlights the character’s vulnerability and naivete, crafting a relationship with Tár that’s uncomfortable to watch develop. Kauer provides her breakthrough performance in the movie, utilizing her talents as a cellist to bring her character’s professional skills to life. Her performance isn’t the most noticeable, but that’s the point - she blends into the shadows, and that’s how Lydia began to pray on her.
TÁR’s Supporting Cast & Characters
Mark Strong as Eliot Kaplan - Known for working with Matthew Vaughn, Mark Strong leaves a huge impact on the film in a small role thanks to his bold personality and relationship with Lydia Tár. He plays Eliot Kaplan, the manager of Tár’s fellowship program and one of many investors who finds himself affected by the allegations posed against her.
Julian Glover as Andris Davis - As the man who previously held Lydia’s professional post, Davis is an important figure in Tár’s initial rise to power. While he doesn’t play a huge role in the story, his relationship with Lydia proves that she’s not an intrinsically evil person - just somebody who's overcome with obsession and self-entitlement.