Key of Genius (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Derek Paravicini (Cannon Wood) is what is known as a savant: a person that is distinguished in a certain area. Derek’s talent is the piano, but his potential may be hindered by his learning disabilities and his blindness. Key of Genius is based on the true story of how music instructor Adam Ockelford (Gavin Stenhouse) tapped into that potential and guided a young man certain to struggle. 

Key of Genius only works if Wood is successful in his portrayal of Derek; it only works if the world believes him. Apparently Wood is something of a savant in his own right, filled with potential in the world of acting. In his first ever credited role, Wood steals the show in Key of Genius, a tour de force in his portrayal of the aforementioned Derek. His acting is simple, perfectly calculated, nearly perfect in every way. He uses what some might see as hindrances to his benefit, and he shines so incredibly bright throughout the course of this short film. The sky is the limit for young Wood. 

Much like Wood’s performance, the score is simple--easily accessible by viewers with all brands of musical knowledge. I was able to follow the score gracefully, while still understanding the significance of what was being played throughout. In short, the score (and the soundtrack) is accessible, yet it doesn’t sacrifice meaning. Key of Genius may have been dubbed a failure, in my eyes, had the score not effectively complemented the narrative, had it not blended simplicity and sophistication--but Writer-Director Daniel Persitz and the musical team do an effective job of helping tell this story through the lens of music. 

The narrative present is moving, sure to tug at your heartstrings. As a teacher, it means the world to see one of your students succeed, particularly those that have faced adversity throughout their journey. So, to see Derek overcome obstacles throughout the film touched me. Key of Genius, however, feels far too confined. Derek studied music his entire life, yet we only see his progress over the course of two days. The end credits attempt to rectify this issue with a montage of photos from throughout his life--but I’m not sure that the pictures solve the problem. I wish that I could have seen more of Derek’s progression. There are whispers that a feature-length version of this film is being planned, and if that comes to fruition I’ll retract my previous statements. For now, however, I needed more from the narrative, even just a few seconds of Derek and Adam (Wood and Stenhouse that is) down the road, at a later juncture in life. 

Key of Genius is missing something. It needs more content, more narrative development so that viewers can see more of Derek’s progress through life. Again, I’ll forget I ever had these issues with the film if a feature-length film does ever come to be--but for now I remain at least slightly disappointed. However, Wood’s performance and the effective score allow this film to flow nicely, to provide a series of reasons to appreciate what Persitz and his team are able to create. Key of Genius is a symphony of emotion that is sure to resonate with viewers everywhere. 

Written & Directed by Daniel Persitz. 

Starring Gavin Stenhouse, Lauren Samuels, Cannon Wood, etc. 

8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING