Tremolo is a moving, intimate drama from filmmaker Jade Li; her film is full of vulnerability, with the themes of loss and prejudice coming to the surface in equal measure – an enthralling short film.
A young Chinese violinist battles with a tremble in her right hand that resurfaces during her first week as a soloist for a prestigious British orchestra.
Having the film shot on 35mm just brings life to Tremolo, as if we have plucked it from a couple of decades prior. Perhaps that is because of how universal its story is. It can be sold from any recent decade and still hit home powerfully. What Li does so well is not overstate her characters’ thoughts, we get glimpses from their faces, but it is all so subtle and quick that it forces you to pay attention. There is an intimate nature to her filmmaking that has you unsure if you should be watching what her characters are going through. As we see Victoria hear what is being said about her, you almost feel guilty for listening to yourself.
In the eyes of some in that orchestra, Victoria is not wanted or welcome purely because of where she is from. If she were from any other continent, there would not nearly be as much pushback to her presence. Sadly, with some creative fields where they should be the most welcoming of other cultures, there is still a long way to go, and Jade Li is fearless in showing us that.
But, the loss of her grandfather is the final straw for the young musician, and as we glide through another gorgeous flashback, you can only hope that her story has a happy finale. We form a close bond with Victoria, and as soon as we first see her practice with the orchestra, you are immediately straight-backed and worried for her. We know about her tremble and are terrified of it returning to her. Jade Li and cinematographer Martyna Jakimowska find some incredible shots. Most specifically, that final shot that shows her in front of her orchestra, the spotlight on her and slowly, what feels like achingly slowly, the camera pushes into a close. You are mesmerised as the emotion pours over her face and eyes.
As the film comes to its emotionally beautiful finale. You fear for Victoria, we are certain that some form of acupuncture would be required for her to get back to where she was, but her grandfather’s words at the start of that flashback scene echo back into your head. “If the Chi is nurtured and not harmed, then it will up the space between Heaven and Earth”. Such a simple statement that rings so true hear. Victoria is in pain emotionally, which has brought a return to her tremble. So, when the finale shot comes around, you want to clap, not just to THAT performance from Sherry Shuen, but for all of Tremolo.
Tremolo has a fantastic vulnerability that you can never shake off; you feel for Victoria, and that alarm only grows as the film continues. Tremolo is sure to fire up to there into the top films watched this year for those that watch short films.
★★★★ 1/2
The 19th HollyShorts Film Festival is running between 10th – 20th August with in person and digital screenings available through the 10th to 27th August.
For more information go to www.hollyshorts.com
Coverage of HollyShorts Film Festival 2023:
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