There are theories currently swirling overhead regarding terrestrial TV, or more specifically, the demise of it.

The domination of streaming sites is possibly ringing the death knell for the likes of ITV, Channel Four, Five, and even the BBC.

And if that ever happens, it shouldn’t be forgotten the endless source of talent these companies have nurtured and launched, such as the two stars of this latest film.

The BBC drama Normal People catapulted Paul Mescal into fame, as did ITV’s The Durrells for Josh O’Connor.

Both actors have gone on to have remarkable careers in film, and shine together in this historical drama.

It’s the dawn of the 20th century and two men meet in a bar in Kentucky – Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O’Connor). They have a connection, in both being involved in music, which quickly evolves into a relationship.

It then sees them take on a journey, travelling around the country and recording the songs sung by rural communities, as they capture them on wax cylinders for posterity. They eventually part their ways, but the memories they made with a folk soundtrack end up haunting Lionel for years to come.

This is the follow up to South African director Oliver Hermanus’ 2022 Living, starring Bill Nighy, and this has a lot in common with that.

The main commonality is stillness; Hermanus takes it further with this drama, possibly too far, as it doesn’t have much in the way of drive or energy.

And ironically enough, for a film about music lovers, the film is sadly one note emotionally. The performances by both young actors are certainly elegant, and a level of restraint is expected considering how homosexuality would have been frowned upon at this point of history, but both are just too internal for a theatrical release.

It’s skilfully shot, that certainly conveys the time period, and flows with a consistency of calm and serenity, with visual poetry to it. And as moving as it gets, it’s no more than a touch of emotion – much like Living - which was suited to that story, but not this one.

It’s not the type of film to tear your heart open and bleed endlessly on the floor, instead it’s more likely to make you leave it feeling much the same way you didn’t going into it, which isn’t ideal.

It was obviously an opportunity too great for the two talented young actors to deny themselves working together, and although it’s impressive to see the pair, both of whom have their star power on the ascendency – and quite rightly so – don’t be surprised if you come away from it just expecting...more.

It’s a graceful bit of filmmaking, but it really could have benefitted from some dramatic noise.