Selected to run at the 2024 Raindance Film Festival, director Warren Fischer’s “The Serena Variations” is a very powerful and dynamic look at music and the artists pursuit of perfection. Even if the perfection is personal, director Fischer peeks in to how much an artist is willing to sacrifice, even if it’s their own soul. Although a lot of the film’s setting and aesthetics are meant mainly for symbolism, the special effects and sound design still allow for an uneasy and unnerving experience.
A young female violinist with undiagnosed autism spirals out of control as she works on a new opus with a domineering composer, embarking on a psychedelic journey that both pushes her to the edge of mental collapse and fuels her creative power.
It’s almost like a mix of “Altered States” and “Whiplash” where main character Serena will do whatever it takes to stand outside of herself and realize her full potential. This leads to hallucinogenics, out of body experiencing and pondering on the mythical music artists that allegedly gave their souls over to the devil for the sake of all encompassing musical gifts. In the long run if given the chance would you sell your soul to perfect a skill or talent that you’re deeply passionate about?
Does one give over their souls immediately once they take up an artistic endeavor? How much is too much in the long run? Fischer really is an impressive filmmaker, exemplifying so much of the pursuit of musical prowess and how much our bodies and minds are implemented in our passions. Fischer has a long history with music and he offers a convincing and fascinating statement about love for performing and music that can translate to just about anyone with a love for art.
While I’m not a musical prodigy, I could relate well to Serena’s circumstances and eagerness to achieve a semblance of immortality.