Overview

• Oliver Hermanus directs the period drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, with Chris Cooper appearing as an older Lionel.
• Critics praise the leads’ performances and the film’s careful craft, while noting a slow pace and muted romantic heat.
• The story follows two 1917 music students who fall in love and record rural folk songs on wax cylinders, with memories carrying across decades.
• The film premiered at Cannes, drew buzz, and received a Queer Palm nomination, setting expectations ahead of its North American rollout.
• Some reviewers bristle at recurring comparisons to Brokeback Mountain, which Mescal previously called a lazy and frustrating framing.