God of the Piano

"CRITIC'S PICK. Tal’s style has a simultaneous simplicity and density that has an affinity with the works of Lucrecia Martel and Michael Haneke. Rarely does a debut feature showcase a talent so fully formed. This is a remarkably potent film."

"Anat is a young woman who will let nothing get in her way, least of all accidents of nature, in this tightly-scripted and quietly chilling first feature from Israeli director Itay Tal. Prepare to be shaken and stirred. A slick and enjoyable drama and a brilliant debut from Itay Tal."

"This stylish first feature negotiates its themes – the overlap between parental ambition and borderline abuse, what it means to be labeled ‘gifted’ – with the same control and precision that Anat and her family bring to their chosen profession. But there is also a cagey restraint here; like Anat, the film guards its secrets jealously. The result is genuinely impressive: this is storytelling which is as enigmatic as it is compelling. Not surprisingly, the use of music throughout is superb. The obvious comparison, both in the rarefied milieu and in the atmosphere of high achieving dysfunction, is the work of Michael Haneke. While the self harm in God Of The Piano is mental rather than physical, there is a clear tonal harmony with Haneke’s The Piano Teacher."

"For Naama Preis' performance as Anat, for a startlingly good soundtrack of classical and original compositions, for the formal beauty of cinematographer Meidan Arama's framing and for the cool intelligence of the script, God of the Piano is a keeper."