On a String

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On a String

R

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1h 18m

Comedy

Drama

Music

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90%

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30 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A Julliard-trained violist navigates the New York City freelance musician scene, playing gigs that often draw her into the personal lives of strangers, all while living in her oddball family's NYC apartment.

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Clint Worthington

RogerEbert.com

5 days ago

3/4

[It] is a sweet movie about a mean world, where unambitious talent tries to get by amid unforgiving people, and even those close to you won’t give you the support you need.

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Peter Sobczynski

RogerEbert.com

Mar 11, 2026

A very funny and incisive debut feature from writer-director-star Isabel Hagen (who) demonstrates genuine wit on both sides of the camera.

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Joseph Neff

Spectrum Culture

17 hrs ago

On a String is a finely tuned comedy about youthful indecision and the struggles, disappointments and disillusionments of adult life.

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Neely Swanson

Easy Reader (California)

1 day ago

Isabel Hagen, someone who deserves to be a household name, is a triple threat.

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Daniel M. Kimmel

North Shore Movies

2 days ago

3/5

"On A String" is gentle character study of a young woman trying to find herself, told sympathetically but not mawkishly. Musicians may find it of special interest, but in dealing with the challenges of the adult world, it’s really universal.

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Patrick McDonald

WBGR-FM (93.7 FM - Monroe, WI)

2 days ago

4.5/5

Isabel Hagen's discipline as a musician filters to her film work, a pitch perfect time-in-the-life of a barely working classical musician. Hagen wrote, directed, acted and played the viola and struck all the right tones story-wise. Practice Practice.

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Bryan

3 days ago

Isabel Hagen is one of the top stand-up comedians performing today. With On A String, she makes her directing debut. Hagen also wrote the film and stars in it. On A String is a very thoughtful examination of individuals with immense talent trying to live their lives when they're not onstage, and how success in the performing arts often means very little in the hunt for happiness and contentment in one's personal life. Hagen and her cast deliver excellent performances. The film is well shot, and well edited. My only complaint was that I recognized when the credits were about to roll, and I wanted more because I was enjoying the film so much. Highly recommended.

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Millicent E-B

5 days ago

I enjoyed the realism (of being a giging violist), subtle humor, and easy flow of this picture!

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Ann Marie S

@AMSabath 3 days ago

A charming, funny, and authentic portrait of a young violist trying to build a life and career in New York City. On a String is a delightful and impressive debut from Isabel Hagen, who wrote, produced, and starred in the film—and is also an exceptional violist!

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On a String: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

A Julliard-trained violist navigates the New York City freelance musician scene, playing gigs that often draw her into the personal lives of strangers, all while living in her oddball family's NYC apartment.

Director: Isabel Hagen
Producer: Isabel Hagen, Olivia Vessel, Torrance Shepherd, Alex Vara, Annie McGrath
Screenwriter: Isabel Hagen
Distributor: Joke Zero
Production Co: Dweck Productions
Rating: R (Sexual Content/Nudity|Some Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 11, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 18m

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