Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
Inside the halls of an elite arts academy, a timid music student begins to outshine her more accomplished and outgoing twin sister when she discovers a mysterious notebook belonging to a recently deceased classmate.
Nocturne offers a stylish Faustian bargain premise set in the competitive world of classical music, with the twin rivalry angle giving it some psychological texture. The concept of a musician selling her soul for talent is well-worn, but the execution within an elite conservatory setting and the mysterious notebook device keeps it reasonably engaging. The cinematography leans into moody, shadow-heavy visuals that suit the horror-adjacent atmosphere. However, the acting is uneven, with Sydney Sweeney doing capable work but the surrounding cast feeling thin. The ending is abrupt and underdeveloped, failing to fully pay off the supernatural buildup, leaving the film feeling like a promising setup that doesn't quite land its conclusion.