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The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines tinnitus as “a sensation of noise (such as ringing or roaring) typically caused by a bodily condition (such as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or earwax), usually in a subjective form heard only by the affected individual.”
Ostinato, an animated short film created by director Sonia Furier and co-creator Sunita Balsara, delves into the life of a music composer grappling with this condition. The story follows Nuha, a young pianist, as she struggles to compose music while a persistent discordant note haunts her ears.
In just seven minutes, the film opens with a dreamy, blue-tinted view of a quiet residential neighborhood, where a bird flits by. Soon, we meet Nuha, absorbed in playing the piano. Her focus is broken by the whistle of a teapot, prompting a moment of simple joy as she sips her tea—until the frustrations of her creative process creep back. How will Nuha confront the ringing sound that disrupts her world and her music?
The animation style of Ostinato is minimalist yet fluid, with a palette dominated by moody blue hues that reflect Nuha’s internal struggles and complement the melancholic undertones of the score. Whether viewers recognize her condition as tinnitus or interpret her plight as a broader metaphor for the challenges of the creative process, the film remains interesting.
Ending on a hopeful note, Ostinato is a poignant and relatable tale of perseverance, offering an engaging experience well worth its brief runtime.
Stream Ostinato now on Netflix.
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