Is How Music Plays Us Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2024)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2024, How Music Plays Us represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary, Music category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into What is it that gives music its unique power? And what, exactly, do we mean when we say that music is magical? These are some of the questions director Mats Andersen sets out to answer in his new film. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, Music are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "What is it that gives music its unique power? And what, exactly, do we mean when we say that music is magical? These are some of the questions director Mats Andersen sets out to answer in his new film. HOW MUSIC PLAYS US is a scientific documentary which takes us from the studios of some of today’s most prominent Norwegian musicians (Aurora Aksnes, Kjetil Møster, Jonas Benyoub) and way back to the early stages of human evolution where the physiological, mental and psychological foundation for our love affair with music was laid."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Kjartan Kristiansen provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Mats Andersen is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 85 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is How Music Plays Us truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, Music, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, How Music Plays Us explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2024 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Mats Andersen respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, How Music Plays Us is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Kjartan Kristiansen or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, How Music Plays Us is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.