The Only Girl in the Orchestra

The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Directed by Molly O'Brien

Produced by New York Philharmonic, Mobworks

202335 min6.6 / 10

A warm, intimate portrait of a pioneering female musician reflecting on a groundbreaking career and a life devoted to artistry and human connection rather than fame.

Trailblazing double bassist Orin O'Brien never wanted the spotlight, but when Leonard Bernstein hired her in 1966 as the first female musician in the New York Philarmonic, it was inevitable that she would become the focus of much interest and fascination. Now 87 years old and recently retired, Orin looks back on her remarkable life and career, insisting that a fuss should not be made, much preferring to play a supporting role to the family, students, friends, and colleagues that surround her.

Questions people ask

  • Is The Only Girl in the Orchestra violent? No. Less violent than 92% of films.

  • Is The Only Girl in the Orchestra easy watching? Yes, very. More comforting than 90% of films.

  • Is The Only Girl in the Orchestra scary? Barely. Less frightening than 84% of films.

  • Does The Only Girl in the Orchestra end with hope? Yes. More hopeful than 81% of films.

  • Is The Only Girl in the Orchestra sad? About average. Almost exactly mid-range.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

34/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

You have seen this shape before.

Rarity33

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise23

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love50

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like The Only Girl in the Orchestra, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like The Only Girl in the Orchestra, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like The Only Girl in the Orchestra, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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