First Look at 'The Accompanist' | TriBeCa Film Festival Review

In its world premiere in the “Spotlight Narrative” section at the 25th Tribeca Festival, Zach Woods presented a deeply emotional film that stars powerhouses Susan Sarandon as Sylvia and Everly Carganilla as Emily. From the moment Sarandon makes her entrance, her portrayal of zany, loving and outspoken Sylvia is the perfect comic relief for the tragedy. 

When 9-year-old Emily is removed from the care of her aging grandfather. She is abruptly placed with the witchy, funny yet unpredictable Sylvia. As the two build a surprising bond, they find that forging a new family is not without risk or hesitation.

This is Zach Woods’ feature debut (known for acting in The Office) and he was able to craft a realised world for the audience to step into. ‘The Accompanist’ is a storytelling that holds a magnifying glass up to life, the flaws, the beauty, the heartache and the humanity inside us all. ‘The Accompanist’ is a free feature, a piece of cinema that allows its characters and the actors playing them to be free within the space. Every decision, every line, every pause felt utterly necessary and that only solidified the films overall intention, we all need to open our hearts and accept the lowest part of ourselves to reek the reward.

Sarandon is an effortless performer, she lives and breathes the character. Her wise perceptive anchors the film and her playful yet eccentric one liners are unforgettable. Alongside Everly the pair have impalpable chemistry and their intimate moments are some of the most beautiful. Aubrey acts as a catalyst but tender in her messy approach, this female led story is charming, vulnerable and most of all moving.

To conclude, ‘The Accompanist’ was my personal favourite feature from Tribeca 2026. Zach Woods has proven himself to be a thought provoking filmmaker, the story had intention, it had soul and it had meaning. This film will touch its audience, it will move them to tears and it will reluctantly make them laugh in moments of turmoil.

‘The Accompanist’ is simply a good film. It has a strong core narrative, perfect pacing, not a moment passed that didn’t feel integral to the plot. The performances are poetic, the final act reminds us the beauty of companionship and the implications of isolation. A film that will live in my mind for some time after watching, a film that I would undoubtably recommend to everyone reading this.

Probe Points: ★★★★.5