Three Girls Around Schubert: A bit dusty, but strangely sweet

Is it worth the watch?

Look, if you’re into sweeping period romances and you don't mind a movie that moves at the speed of a Victorian carriage, you might actually like Three Girls Around Schubert. It’s gentle. It’s very, very polite. But if you get restless when a film doesn't have a car chase or a quick edit every three seconds, you’re going to be checking your watch before the first song ends.

It’s a bit like watching The Mouse's Bride in terms of its simple, fable-like quality, but with more wigs and heavy velvet curtains. The whole thing feels like a dusty book you found in an attic that smells faintly of dried flowers.

The Romance Bit

Franz Schubert spends half the movie chasing Hederl and Hannerl, which is honestly exhausting to watch. He’s the classic romantic lead who just cannot see what’s staring him in the face. Poor Heiderl is sitting right there, practically holding up a sign that says, 'I actually love you,' but he’s too busy being a moody composer to notice.

There is this one scene where he’s playing the piano and looking out a window. It goes on for a long time. Like, long enough for me to wonder if the projectionist fell asleep. It’s not necessarily bad, just very... earnest.

Odd Little Details

• The lighting in the living room scenes is weirdly yellow. Everyone looks like they’re being filmed through a jar of honey.
• I’m pretty sure the same background extra appears in three different scenes as three different people. Or maybe he just really likes the opera.
• The way they talk is so formal it makes my teeth ache.

It’s not trying to be Cheating Blondes or anything remotely edgy. It’s safe. It’s cozy. Sometimes it’s a little too cozy, like wearing a wool sweater that’s just a bit too tight around the neck. You can feel the studio trying to make sure nobody gets offended by the depiction of a famous composer.

I found myself zoning out during the singing parts, not because they were bad, but because they felt like they were lifted from a completely different movie. It’s like the film couldn't decide if it wanted to be a sad drama or a lighthearted musical. It just kind of… does both, poorly.

Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it a disaster? Not really. It’s just there. If you want to kill a rainy afternoon and you have a high tolerance for people sighing at each other in fancy clothes, give it a go. Just don't expect it to change your life. 🎹