Turn It Up (2026) – Review and Summary | Tribeca Film Festival

Turn It Up is at its best when focused on the music, and falters a bit as it avoids everything else that could hook you.

ByAmari Allah Hours Posted on

Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.

Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.

“Turn It Up” Film Details

Movie Summary

AC’s band, with best friend and crush Court, alongside Berg and Russ, is heading towards the end of their latest tour, and it seems this could be it for the band. The last hiatus led to many looking for other work, and frankly, opportunities are few for the struggling group.

But, with a new song that catches the eye of a shifty manager, maybe the band can be brought back to life, or end up causing a massive amount of deaths?

Cast and Characters

AC (Justine Nelson)

  • Character Summary: AC is the lead singer of an indie band who is struggling to find inspiration for new music and to keep the band together as finances can’t justify the sacrifice.

Court (Gwenlyn Cumyn)

  • Character Summary: Court is AC’s crush, who might be the first to leave the band, as she has a day job that pays well.

Berg (Jonathan Craig)

  • Character Summary: Berg is always noting other experiences he has had in bands and makes it sound like he is doing AC a favor by still being in her band.

Russ (Xavier Lopez)

  • Character Summary: Russ is the youngest of AC’s band, whose disposition often pushes the idea that he is just happy to be there.

Review and Commentary

Highlight(s)

The Music Is Hypnotic [81/100]

The main song of the film, called “The Odyssey,” helps you understand why the band can blank out for almost an hour while playing. It has that sound which makes you want to explore who wrote the music, question why they didn’t write more for the film, and makes you want to look up the song on your favorite platform to hear just one more time.

On The Fence

Wishing There Was More To Latch Onto [72/100]

Turn It Up doesn’t have the hook we were hoping for. AC and Court’s relationship, or rather crush? It isn’t explored in ways that could make that relationship a hook. The dynamics of a band falling apart? Yeah, Berg is often complaining, to the point of getting on your nerves, but it isn’t like the film covers the rise, highs, and fall of the band. I don’t believe they even made a point of the audience having no question what the band’s name is.

So, without notable character arcs, what about the story? Well, like a lot of horror comedy movies, the story is not pushed to be the selling point. It’s the exploding heads, the comment characters like Berg make, and the weird villains who can give you the creeps.

But, unfortunately, there may come a point for you where the music is not enough, you realize the storylines you’d latch onto aren’t going to be developed, so you’re just left wondering how this will end.

Overall

Our Rating (76/100): Mixed (Divisive)

Turn It Up has many elements that are frustratingly not focused on. Be it the feelings between its female leads, the fall of the band, in a slightly more serious manner, or something to be a hook beyond exploding heads and odd characters.

What To Check Out Next

Check out our movies page! There you’ll find our latest movie reviews and recommendations.

Images used for editorial and commentary purposes. All rights remain with their respective copyright holders.

Listed Under Categories: ,
Related Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Amari is the founder and head writer of Wherever-I-Look.com and has been reviewing media since 2010. He approaches each production with hope, rooting for every story to succeed, and believes criticism should come from unmet potential, while praise is reserved for work that meets or exceeds expectations.