My Take:
The wait was long, but it was absolutely worth it. This is an epic, yet incredibly intimate story set during World War I. We follow two young men, Lionel and David, as they travel across America to record fading folk songs and the voices of ordinary people. During their journey, they discover something much deeper—a bond of their own, which is put to the ultimate test by the looming shadow of the Great War.
What's Captivating: The chemistry between Mescal and O’Connor is electric. This is top-tier acting—minimalist in dialogue but overflowing with emotion in every glance and gesture. The sound design is extraordinary (as expected given the title); the hiss of old recordings, the wind, and the folk music create an atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll.
A Word of Caution: It’s a melancholic and slow-paced film. If you're looking for a cheerful romance, bring tissues—this is more in the vein of Brokeback Mountain, where history and the era dictate the tragic terms of love.
Verdict: 9.5/10 🏳️🌈🎞️
A visual and sonic masterpiece. A film that proves love, much like sound, leaves an indelible mark on history.
🔍 Did you know...?
The film is an adaptation of an award-winning short story by Ben Shattuck. Director Oliver Hermanus (known for the excellent Living) insisted that the actors spend a lot of time together before filming to build a genuine connection. Interestingly, the sound recording process shown in the film is historically accurate—the crew used replicas of authentic early 20th-century recording equipment, giving the production an almost documentary-like texture.
