Directed by Oliver Hermanus (Living) this film has a gentle silence around it, understated in emotional expression or displays of feeling, but a love story nevertheless. Feelings, thoughts are expressed through sound, the music which so beautifully and poignantly weaves the narrative together. Set during World War I, two young men, musical prodigy Lionel and musicologist David (played respectively by Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor–two of the hottest young actors across the pond) discover their mutual love of folk ballads despite their very different social backgrounds. Setting out across rural Maine to record songs shared by families across generations, their connection to each other and the world is transformed through sound and through the yearning and romance in melody. The very special, haunting quality of this film will stay with you long after the credits roll. USA 2025 (127 minutes)
Sponsored by
Sean Dowdell and David Landis
Playing as part of Mostly British Festival
This film can be used with loyalty cards or our 2026 annual CinemaSF passes