Latest news with #periodDrama
Geek Girl Authority
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
THE BUCCANEERS Recap: (S02E03) Get Her Out
The Buccaneers Season 2 Episode 3, 'Get Her Out,' features a betrayal, a reunion, a surprising romance and a proposal: all the requisite ingredients for a soapy period drama. Additionally, the costumes, makeup and set pieces are perhaps the best I've seen on this show thus far. Top-notch work, aesthetically. I wish I were at this party. Beyond that, I'm excited for the Dowager and Reede's inevitable union, and that this series is tackling mature love. Nan is messy in the best way, and admittedly, I don't blame her for deciding to leave. So much d-r-a-m-a and heightened emotions in this outing. RELATED: Read our recap of the previous episode of The Buccaneers , 'Holy Grail' The Buccaneers, 'Get Her Out' We open with Theo (Guy Remmers) confronting Nan (Kristine Frøseth) after he learns about Guy spending the night with her. Theo is understandably — and rightfully — enraged. He demands the truth. Nan quietly admits that Guy was in her bed the night before the wedding. The Dowager (Amelia Bullmore) tries to defuse the tension. Nan also confesses that she needed Theo's title as a cushion of protection for Jinny. After he storms off, the Dowager thanks Nan for not disclosing her participation in this. Later, we learn it's been three weeks since that explosive revelation upended the Tintagel household. Well, more like upended Theo's life. He hasn't been seen around the castle since. Nan tells the Dowager they should consider canceling Lizzy's birthday bash. The Dowager counters that if they do that, it'll appear to the public that all is not well. They must keep up appearances. If a partygoer asks about Theo, she and Nan will claim he's away on business. A Midsummer Night's Dream Next, Conchita (Alisha Boe), Richard (Josh Dylan) and Cora (Maria Almeida) are en route to the Tintagel castle. Lizzy's surprise birthday party is A Midsummer Night's Dream -themed, and Conchita and Cora look positively ethereal. They argue about Cora finding a husband. Cora insists that Conchita and Richard aren't the pinnacle of true romance. Excuse you, they're the most stable relationship on this show. On an unrelated note, Richard has a few funny bits in this scene. I'm glad we're seeing more of his personality this season. RELATED: 10 Questions We Need Answered in The Buccaneers Season 2 Meanwhile, Nan gets ready for the party. As she puts on her fairy wings, she thinks about Guy. We see him (Matthew Broome) briefly brooding in Italy, in all his shirtless, perfectly tousled, beach-curl glory. After this, Nan greets the guests as they arrive at Tintagel. Hector (Jacob Ifan) is nervous. He has a big question to ask Lizzy. Besides that, he tells Nan that her speech at the gala is making waves in the House — in a good way. It's time to strike while the iron is hot. However, he could use the support of the duke, too. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 3, 'Get Her Out.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Then, we see Conchita, Mabel (Josie Totah) and Honoria (Mia Threapleton) escort a blindfolded Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag) to the front lawn. They lead her to the location of the party. Surprise! Hector compliments Lizzy and her band of fairies before insisting they all grab drinks. Side note: Lizzy looks stunning in blue. It's her color. He's Gone Next, Conchita asks Nan about Theo. Where is he? 'He's gone,' Nan whispers. She provides no context, leaving Conchita hanging. Elsewhere, the Dowager reunites with an old friend/lover — Reede Robinson (Greg Wise), Hector's father. Sparks fly. The flames are rekindled. I'm excited to see a mature love story play out this season. They take to the dancefloor. RELATED: 7 Questions We'll Never Get Answered in The Great Season 4 Lizzy and Mabel's mother, Mrs. Elmsworth (Viss Elliot Safavi), surprises them with her arrival. She meets Hector and expresses excitement about the latter's impending big question. Lizzy finally realizes what this might be. In Italy, Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) attempts to purchase food in the market, but her Italian is rusty. Paloma (Grace Ambrose) swoops in and saves the day. She shows Jinny the ropes regarding the art of haggling in the market. Upon returning to the house, Paloma asks Jinny if she comes from money. Jinny tries to deny her wealthy upbringing, but Paloma can spot money from a mile away. Guy enters to find Jinny preparing dinner. He looks skeptical. The Institution Requires an Heir Later, the Dowager reunites with Theo after his impromptu vacation. He's resolute in remaining at Tintagel now. Theo declares he shouldn't feel ashamed. The Dowager hopes reconciliation between him and Nan is on the horizon. However, Theo is also resolute that he'll never mend fences with Nan. That said, he can't divorce her. The Dowager suggests they send Nan away, but only after she provides Tintagel with an heir. RELATED: Read our Bridgerton recaps After this, Theo makes a fashionably late entrance at Lizzy's birthday party. He and Nan share a tense dance. Outside, Lizzy and Mabel take a stroll through the trees before Hector asks Lizzy if she'll go on a walk with him. Mrs. Elmsworth barges in, asking Mabel if she's 'being proper,' maintaining normalcy and trying not to 'bring shame' to the family. Ew. Ick. The homophobia is strong with this one. Thankfully, Mabel responds with her signature incisive wit, effectively putting her mom in her place. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 3, 'Get Her Out.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Elsewhere, Hector proposes to Lizzy. It's romantic as hell. She accepts. To be fair, I'd accept a proposal from Jacob Ifan, too. Inside, Cora continues to press Conchita's buttons. At the same time, Reede challenges the Dowager — he reminds her of who she used to be before motherhood and 'the institution' took hold. With Theo now married, surely the Dowager can resume her life? Food Fight Then, Guy, Jinny and Paloma attempt to eat dinner. As it turns out, Jinny doesn't have an innate flair for the culinary arts. To brighten the mood, Jinny commences a food fight. Our trio laughs as they hurl pasta at each other. How cuh-yoot . RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: The Buccaneers ' Lizzy Elmsworth Nan meets Theo in his quarters. She apologizes for it all. He kisses her passionately and urges her to tell him she wants him. Nan obeys. However, Theo pulls away, claiming he can't do this. He was clearly planning to put a baby in Nan before sending her off. Then, he admits that she can't leave Tintagel without producing an heir. Nan wonders if this is per the dreadful institution or his mother. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 3, 'Get Her Out.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Meanwhile, Richard flirts with Conchita in front of Cora. It's super hot. It also makes Cora smile. Nan and the Dowager step outside for a confrontation. Nan ain't happy. She accuses the Dowager of throwing her under the bus, of going back on their deal. And guess what? The Tintagel line will end here. She refuses to give Theo a child. Nan storms off. The Dowager, overcome with emotion, glances across the yard to find Reede observing her. Don't Settle for Less Next, Lizzy excitedly tells Theo about Hector's proposal in the latter's art studio. Theo claims he would be thrilled if it were any other woman. However, he believes Lizzy is extraordinary, and she deserves an extraordinary love, not a safe marriage. Lizzy looks flummoxed. RELATED: Read our Dickinson recaps After this, Lizzy returns to the party. Hector announces his and Lizzy's impending nuptials to the big crowd. The wheels are turning in Lizzy's head. Theo's words undoubtedly had an impact. Meanwhile, Cora apologizes to Conchita. She sees now that Conchita and Richard have a wonderful love story. Conchita admits it wasn't love at first sight, though. When they met, Richard danced with her friend and knocked over a champagne tower. He was awkward and clumsy. Conchita reveals she should've taken a different approach with Cora. Now, she encourages Cora to think of finding a husband as granting these men the opportunity to spend time with her. No pressure. Cora spots a man wearing yellow socks, which is apparently her thing. Conchita urges Cora to introduce herself, which she does. Richard rejoins Conchita. Conchita muses that perhaps she should pivot with her matchmaking services. Let women find someone they'll truly love. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 3, 'Get Her Out.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Sacrifice That evening, the Dowager and Reede chat about Nan's big move. Obviously, the Tintagel line must continue and thrive. Reede advises the Dowager to change Nan's mind, even if it drives a wedge between her and her son. Even if it means the Dowager and Reede can't be together. Nan must stay here. RELATED: TV Review: The Serpent Queen Season 2 After this, Mabel and Honoria chat at the party. They secretly hold hands as Mabel admits she's glad they have each other. Mrs. Elmsworth observes Mabel from afar. She tries to enlist Conchita's services, declaring she'll pay Conchita double her price to find a husband for Mabel. Homophobia strikes again. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 3, 'Get Her Out.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Meanwhile, the Dowager discloses the truth to Theo. She put Nan and Theo in this cage of a marriage. The Dowager explains that she found Nan and Guy together in bed. Then, she didn't give Nan a choice. She knew Nan wanted to save Jinny, so she'd need the Tintagel title. The Dowager used her power to force Nan to marry Theo. Theo is hurt. He orders his mom to leave his castle. Running Away for Love Later, Nan rummages through the Dowager's belongings in her quarters. She finds a missive with Guy and Jinny's address in Italy. A maid stumbles upon Nan's frantic searching, declaring these are the duchess's things. 'I am the duchess!' Nan shouts before leaving. RELATED: 15 Song Covers We Want to Hear on Bridgerton Lizzy finds Nan after this. Nan plans to leave for Italy that night to reunite with Guy. It's always been Guy. Lizzy admits that Guy sent her a letter, asking about Nan. She withholds the bit about Guy wanting Nan to join him in Italy. Lizzy burned the letter. After asking Nan if she's sure her relationship with Theo is beyond repair, Lizzy encourages her to run to Guy. Next, Lizzy approaches Theo, who's searching for Nan. Lizzy doesn't divulge the truth about Nan escaping the castle like a thief in the night. She tells Theo that his words in the art studio resonated with her. Perhaps she deserves a thrilling, pulsating, extraordinary love. Theo apologizes for what he said to Lizzy earlier. He wasn't in his right mind. There's nothing wrong with a safe marriage. Meanwhile, Nan is in a carriage, the letter with Guy and Jinny's address in her hand. She's still in her fairy getup. I wonder how long it'll take her to get to Italy from Cornwall? It's TV magic, so I'm assuming at least in the blink of an eye. RELATED: Read our recaps of The Buccaneers The Buccaneers drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+. Hair and Makeup Artist Jacquetta Levon Talks Incorporating Reality and Fantasy for THE SERPENT QUEEN Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix snaps up sex-filled period drama with impressive 97% Rotten Tomatoes score - and it makes Bridgerton look tame
Netflix has snapped up a sex-filled period drama with an impressive 97 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score - and it makes Bridgerton look tame. Harlots, originally released in 2017 and previously broadcast by now-defunct channel ITV Encore and BBC Two, details the booming sex industry of 18th century London. The bawdy show follows feuding madams Margaret Wells (Samantha Morton) and Lydia Quigley (Lesley Manville) and the prostitutes who live in their brothels. All three series of the highly-rated programme, set in Georgian England in the 1760s, are now available to stream on Netflix, as of July 1. And its scandalous sex scenes outstrip even those of the streamer's period romp Bridgerton, known for its steamy moments and irresistible romances. The first episode of Harlots, for instance, sees Margaret sell her daughter's virginity to pay a fine after a night-watchmen's raid - and opens with a compilation of the 'Harlots' having sex with customers. Harlots boasts a star-studded cast, with Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey) as a prostitute, Hugh Skinner (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again) as an aspiring MP who uses her services and Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings) as an aristocrat. The programme was originally released on the ITV Encore channel, which was created in 2014 to show the channel's original drama, before its closure in 2018. Meanwhile, the series - influenced by 1700s prostitution guidebook Harris's List Of Covent Garden Ladies - was broadcast to American viewers via Hulu. The BBC acquired its UK broadcasting rights in 2020, which saw the show receive renewed attention. Actress Lesley said at the time, Radio Times reports: 'Yes! I hadn't thought of that, I hadn't thought of that at all. 'We finished season three and I think we all thought that was it. You know, there might be [a series renewal]! Let's start writing the letters now. 'I'd always be interested - obviously I'd be interested, I had nothing but a pleasurable time doing all three series, and it was one of those blissful jobs, so I'd definitely [give] that a lot of consideration but it's certainly not something that's been talked about. 'Maybe you could start a campaign.' But her plans are foiled when Lydia (pictured) orchestrates a raid of the area with the help of Florence Scanwell (Dorothy Atkinson) - a religious zealot who opposes sex work and becomes her pawn She said she felt it had been 'hidden away' in programming schedules upon its original release - so she was 'delighted' it was coming to the BBC at the time. Viewers were quick to take to X to comment on the risque show in 2020, when it was shown on BBC Two. One wrote: 'This started off with a bang in every sense of the word.' A second added: 'Spanking, nipples and bare bottoms so far on #harlots.' The programme starts with Margaret's daughter Lucy (Eloise Smyth) reading out reviews of the brothel's residents. Viewers are soon introduced to Nancy Birch (Kate Fleetwood) - a longtime friend and neighbour of Margaret who specialises in domination. They also meet sex workers Betsey Fletcher (Alexa Davies), Fanny Lambert (Bronwyn James) and Emily Lacey (Holli Dempsey). The latter deserted Margaret to work for rival Lydia - but soon found her stay in the elite brothel nowhere near as luxurious as she once imagined. Prostitute Emily Lacey (Holli Dempsey, pictured) deserted Margaret to work for rival Lydia - but soon found her stay in the elite brothel nowhere near as luxurious as she once imagined Margaret makes clear her ambitions to move to the more upmarket Greek Street in Soho. But her plans are foiled when Lydia orchestrates a raid of the area with the help of Florence Scanwell (Dorothy Atkinson) - a religious zealot who opposes sex work and becomes her pawn. The raid leaves Margaret with a £100 court fine - which she pays off by selling her youngest daughter's virginity. She sets up a plan to sell to the highest bidder, after previously refusing one of the brothel's client's offers of £50 to have sex with her daughter. Meanwhile, Margaret's oldest daughter Charlotte (Downton's Jessica) has a reputation as the city's most coveted courtesan. She is expected by Sir George Howard (Mamma Mia's Hugh) to sign a contract so he would formally become her 'keeper'. By becoming her keeper, George would pay for her lavish lifestyle in return for Charlotte having sex with nobody else and legally becoming his property. In one amusing scene, he gifts her a pineapple, which he believes to be the finest luxury available - and later dons her clothes as he waits for her to return home. But in a fit of jealousy, after discovering she had not been 'living like a nun' as promised, he successfully bids for Lucy's virginity. While the pair then do not have sex, he forces Lucy to say otherwise. Viewers were captivated by Hugh's character when the programme was aired on BBC Two in 2020 and laughed at the funny gesture of gifting a pineapple. 'No one wants a man who thinks she's a pineapple', wrote one, while a second joked: '"You are the pineapple of Great Britain." Imagine interrupting sex to say that.' A third commented: 'Just what every woman wants, a pineapple.' Some made comments on perceived inaccuracies in the show, saying it is not historically correct for the sex workers to have 'perfect hair and teeth'. The fourth instalment of the much-loved Netflix series (pictured) will return to screens in 2026 and as of May, 'Netflix has shared a huge update on the show's future' It comes hot on the heels of the success of Bridgerton for Netflix, with series five and six of the period drama now reportedly confirmed. The fourth instalment of the much-loved Netflix series will return to screens in 2026 and as of May, 'Netflix has shared a huge update on the show's future'. According to The Sun, Netflix has bagged a multi-million pound investment to make series five and six. A TV insider told the publication: 'After introducing the controversial gender swap at the end of series three which saw Michael Stirling switched to Michaela, there is a chance execs could skip ahead to Francesca's story. 'They certainly weren't afraid to dabble with Julia Quinn's timeline by swapping the order of Colin and Benedict's tales.' The comment was in reference to the introduction of Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), the cousin of Francesca Bridgerton's new husband John Stirling (Victor Alli), at the end of the last series. Michaela, based on a character in the original Bridgerton books called Michael, leaves Francesca speechless - opening up a new romantic prospect for her, despite her recent marriage. MailOnline contacted Netflix for comment about this at the time. Series four, meanwhile, will centre on the love story of Luke Thompson's character Benedict Bridgerton and a new leading lady Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha. Harlots is available to stream on Netflix. The guide to London's sex workers that inspired Harlots By Hallie Rubenhold for The Mail On Sunday Harlot was inspired by the real people and events depicted in Hallie Rubenhold's book, The Covent Garden Ladies, which details the story behind one of history's most notorious publications, The Harris's List Of Covent Garden Ladies. At the beginning of Harlots, there is a flurry of excitement as the latest edition of The Harris's List, a guide to the capital's sex workers, arrives from the bookseller. All of the 'ladies of pleasure' are eager to hear what has been written about them, anxious that whatever is said will make or break their careers in the sex trade. Scenes like this would have unfolded every Christmas between 1757 and 1795 when the guide rolled off the presses. The Lists were more than just a dry catalogue of names and addresses, but a wittily written chronicle of London's sex trade. Each edition contained information about the women who worked in it, providing details of their ages, physical appearance and sexual specialities as well as stories about these women's lives. The thousands of women from all walks of life who featured in its pages include the likes of Miss Noble who was known for her 'skill in the reviving the dead' with her tongue of 'double charm', or Miss West 'who can pick her gallant's pocket very coolly' while in the act. Miss Love of 14 George Street is celebrated for her 'dark complexion'. The lists are filled with others who led lives as actresses, servants, shopkeepers, nursemaids and even a number who were married women. They ran the gamut in terms of age and appearance, from those described as 'true beauties' to others referred to as 'veterans in the field of Venus'. Not all were confined to brothels. The Harris's List show that women often shared accommodation with other sex workers or lodged with ordinary families, such as green grocers and cabinet makers. Although Covent Garden was the centre of sin, filled with theatres, taverns, coffee houses and bath houses, there was no designated red-light district, and women lived in virtually every neighbourhood, from Fitzrovia to Mayfair, from Holborn to the City. The Harris's List cost two shillings and sixpence, which pushed it far out of range of the ordinary working man. Those women who appeared on it catered almost exclusively to middle-class men and above, but the sex trade catered to every strata of society, from the Prince to the dock worker.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Singapore Series Is Worth Bingeing On Netflix And Cancelling All Your Dates
Okay, gather 'round, because there's a period drama on Netflix that's keeping us at the edge of our seats: "Emerald Hill: The Little Nyonya Story"! View this photo on Instagram Think gorgeous Peranakan fashion, jaw-dropping mansions, and enough family secrets to fill an entire season of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians." This show has it all: intense drama, unexpected twists, and three incredible Nyonya women navigating betrayals and power struggles in a truly visually stunning world. Seriously, the costumes are a whole vibe! It's a journey back to the 1950s-70s that's packed with cultural richness and emotional punches. Related: 21 Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Extremely, Dark True Crime Stories People Shared From Their Hometowns View this photo on Instagram Starring bigwigs in Singapore's acting industry like veteran Zoe Tay, Jeanette Aw, Chantalle Ng, Tasha Low, Zhang Ze Tong and even Malaysian actress Jojo Goh; the full episodes are now available on Netflix. Related: I Read About Creepy Unsolved Mysteries For A Living, And These 23 Are The Most Unsettling I've Read All Month Well, don't take it from us; the people have spoken! Awwwww #EmeraldHill ended on @Netflix_PH yesterday and the last few episodes felt like a Filipino series hurried to wrap up. And the gun-toting-villain-turned-p**cho trope is quite Filipino-coded, too. In short: Relatable! Nevertheless, I enjoyed its run! — Për Sørlig Vind (@sipierreko) April 21, 2025 Twitter: @sipierreko 🎉 Congratulations to 'Emerald Hill' for becoming the first Mediacorp Chinese drama to hit No.1 on Netflix Singapore! 📺🥇 Actress Chantalle Ng shares her excitement, adding that she hopes viewers continue their support as she joins from episode 6. #EmeraldHill #NetflixSG… — Global Pulse (@GlobalPulse_Vir) March 13, 2025 Twitter: @GlobalPulse_Vir Comment byu/danilody from discussion insingapore Comment byu/danilody from discussion insingapore Comment byu/danilody from discussion insingapore More on this 7 Best Minimal Decor Ideas For HDB Homes In Singaporeretalee · June 17, 2025 12 Instagram-Worthy Spots In Singapore That Will Make All Your Friends Jealousretalee · June 19, 2025 I Hung In Singapore For Three Days And Here's Everywhere I WentEssence Gant · Feb. 15, 2020 21 Things Singapore Has That'll Make You Say, "Why Isn't This Everywhere?"Kevin Smith · Oct. 4, 2018 Also in BuzzFeed: I Read About Creepy Unsolved Mysteries For A Living, And These 29 Might Be The Most Unsettling I've Ever Heard Of Also in BuzzFeed: 50 People Who Died In Embarrassing, Nightmarish, Scandalous, Horrifying, Disturbing, Or Even Darkly Funny Ways Also in BuzzFeed: 56 People Who Are Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way, Way Dumber Than Anyone You've Ever Met
BBC News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The History of Sound review: Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor's gay romance is 'too polite'
In this period drama, premiering at Cannes, two of Hollywood's buzziest male actors play lovers making music together – but the film could do with far more passion and urgency. Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain was released 20 years ago, but there haven't been many period dramas about same-sex romances since. In a way, then, The History of Sound must count as a daring project: an expensive Hollywood film in which two of cinema's buzziest male actors are cast as gay lovers. Subject matter aside, though, it's an oddly old-fashioned and conventional work. If you'd never heard of its stars, Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor, you could easily mistake it for a long-lost film made by some Merchant Ivory impersonators in the 1980s or 90s. Mescal plays Lionel, a Kentucky farm boy who is raised in a shack in the early years of the 20th Century. As well as having perfect pitch, Lionel supposedly has a remarkable singing voice – and although Mescal's singing never sounds any better than anyone else's in the film, the character's talents are enough to earn him a place in a Boston conservatory. This is just one of the many advancements that come implausibly easily to him. Just as easily, the shy Lionel falls into a relationship with the arch and confident David (O'Connor), a composition student with a taste for folk music. Their problem-free romance continues until David is drafted to fight in World War One and Lionel has to return to his family farm. But in 1919 (every date is there on the screen, so we don't get lost), David invites Lionel to go on a song-collecting field trip with him. The pair will roam around the scenic countryside for weeks, recording folk ballads on wax cylinders, and sleeping under canvas, where they can have tasteful, un-explicit sex, with no apparent worries about prejudice or danger. Still, this blissful camping holiday can't last forever, so Lionel will have to decide what to do in the years ahead. Settle down with David in a minor college? Move to Europe where he is sure to be lauded as a great chorister? Or take over the farm from his aged parents. To be honest, all three options look pretty enviable. Directed by Oliver Hermanus, the maker of Moffie and Living, The History of Sound is one of those too-beautiful period dramas in which every house is spotlessly clean, even in the backwoods, and every costume is immaculately tailored and richly coloured. Never mind his singing, Lionel's most impressive gift seems to be his ability to find the ideal suit-and-tie combination for every occasion. Aesthetics aside, life goes too smoothly for him for the film to pluck the heartstrings with any force. Lionel may have some doubts about his feelings for David, but he never seems ruffled. Mescal and O'Connor are nuanced and charismatic, and it's amazing that an Irish actor and English actor should play these most American of roles so flawlessly, but The History of Sound doesn't probe beneath the attractive surface of its star-crossed lovers. It chronicles their lives slowly and steadily through the 1920s, but it doesn't find any urgency until what seems to be the final scene – but then it turns out that there are several more scenes afterwards, and they all seem to be the final scene, too. The screenplay by Ben Shattuck is adapted from his own short story, and yet, with its leisurely pace and multiple endings, the film feels longer than its two-hour running time. It's left to the melancholy ballads of heartbreak and grief to provide the piercing emotion that is lacking elsewhere. The most romantic sequence has Lionel and David walking through the woods, harmonising exquisitely without any preparation, so it's a shame that such songs are missing for so much of this polite and polished film. The irony is that Lionel makes a speech about why he likes folk music: it's because it's impassioned, raw and messy. The History of Sound is none of those things. ★★☆☆☆ -- For more Culture stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
