Krista Taylor is an important but unseen character in the 2022 film Tár. She is a young, promising conductor who catches the attention of the renowned composer and conductor Lydia Tár.
Krista is never actually seen on screen, but she haunts Lydia throughout the film. We learn through dream sequences, flashbacks, and references that Lydia had an inappropriate sexual relationship with Krista under the guise of mentoring her.
When Lydia ends things, she blacklists Krista from the conducting world, essentially ending the young woman’s career before it can even begin. This drives Krista to depression and eventually suicide. So who exactly is Krista Taylor?
1. Krista’s Background
Not much is revealed about Krista’s background in the film. What we do know is that she was an exceptionally talented young conductor who Lydia took interest in. As part of Lydia’s Accordion Fellowship program for aspiring women conductors, Krista likely saw Lydia as a mentor who could help advance her career.
Instead, Lydia abused her power and took advantage of Krista. Though the details are vague, it’s implied that Lydia groomed Krista into having a sexual relationship. When it ended badly, Lydia made sure Krista would never work in conducting again.
3. Krista and Lydia’s Relationship
The film shows us glimpses of Lydia and Krista’s relationship through dream sequences, vague recollections, and Lydia’s haunted memories. Early on, Lydia receives a copy of the novel Challenge by Vita Sackville-West, sent by Krista. This seems to trigger Lydia, as the novel mirrors the unhealthy dynamic she had with Krista.
We also see flashes of emails from Krista pleading to meet with Lydia and salvage her career. Lydia refuses and instructs her assistant Francesca to ignore them. This hints at their past relationship ending badly, with Krista still feeling powerless and desperate without Lydia’s support.
4. The Aftermath of Krista’s Death
After Krista commits suicide, she continues to haunt Lydia. Lydia fears legal action from Krista’s grieving parents and orders Francesca to delete all records of communication between them. Krista’s presence grows stronger as the film goes on.
Lydia has visions and nightmares about Krista, emphasizing her guilt. Mysterious drawings and notes left by Krista also reappear. In the end of Tár, Krista’s parents do sue Lydia. Email records provided by Francesca expose Lydia’s misconduct and lead to her downfall.
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So while unseen, Krista Taylor is a pivotal unseen character. Her life and death at the hands of Lydia Tár underscore the themes of power, exploitation, and guilt that run throughout the film. Even after death, Krista refuses to be silenced or forgotten.
