Prodigies (2024)

Believing in the power of the arts to transform lives, I found myself deeply moved by how the film explores the ways in which the sisters’ identities are intertwined with their craft. It serves as a reflection of one’s relationship with creative pursuits — how they shape us, challenge us and sometimes define who we are.

As a poignant exploration of identity and individuality, the image of the twins as a recurring motif forces viewers to confront the constant comparisons they endure. In the scenes at the academy, Claire and Jeanne are treated less as distinct individuals and more as mirror images, as they are subjected to perpetual judgement, ridicule and gossip. This objectification strips them of their personal goals and motivations, becoming a key challenge the sisters face not only in their interactions with others but also in their close relationship with each other.

The toxicity observed in the music academy goes further to explore the harshness of competition, portraying an environment where ambition is a relentless battle. The cutthroat nature of this setting highlights how the pursuit of artistic excellence can devolve into a ruthless contest. Initially driven by a passion for music, the students are gradually consumed by a fixation on success and recognition. Such moments are evident when a pianist is dismissed as arrogant as she fights to outperform the sisters, while a conductor berates a music teacher for his methodical approach as an educator, accusing him of diluting his artistic sensibility. Through this theme, the film critiques the extent to which one’s love for art becomes overshadowed by an obsession with achievement.

On another note, Prodigies thoroughly encapsulates the sacrifices demanded by the pursuit of the arts. Claire’s father, for instance, forbids her from entering a romantic relationship, insisting that she remain singularly focused on her commitment to music. Meanwhile, her mother’s own backstory adds another layer of complexity, as she had abandoned her career in fashion to support her daughters’ musical ambitions. As the narrative unfolds, the sisters’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being are tested to the breaking point as they grapple with strained relationships, familial misunderstandings, peer pressure, demanding mentors, rigid societal expectations and the brunt of the approaching concert.

The onset of their illness incites further struggles as the sisters are told that piano can no longer be part of their lives, kicking off a series of events marked by feelings such as jealousy, betrayal, estrangement and isolation.

Failure is an inevitable companion in any artistic journey. In the face of setbacks, we often question if what we are doing is wrong. Yet art is inherently subjective, pure and boundless. As someone who has experimented with various forms of artistic expression and has a deep affection for the arts, I found a particular scene especially touching. The sisters, in a moment of defeat amid their failing health, assert that while they may step away from competitions and achievements, they will never abandon their practice of music. This sentiment struck a chord with me — the idea of giving yourself fully to your craft, not for recognition, but for the sheer love of creation. Sometimes, the most freeing act is to let go — throw your work out the window (as the sisters literally do) and embrace the liberation that comes with it.

Overall, Prodigies is a moving biographical portrait of how two sisters, when faced with a challenge that stood against their passion, chose to define their fate on their own terms. In doing so, the sisters have left behind a legacy that transcends their musical achievements, offering a profound lesson on the importance of love and resilience, resonating long after the film’s final notes.

Prodigies was screened as part of the 40th vOilah! French Film Festival in Singapore.