In this sensational, semi-autobiographical debut, Terence Davies draws on his memories to depict the life of a working-class Catholic family in Liverpool during the 1940s and 1950s. The film is divided into two sections, filmed two years apart with the same cast. The first section, ‘Distant Voices’, chronicles family life under the shadow of a temperamental, violent, and abusive father. The second section, ‘Still Lives’, follows the children as they grow up and start their own families, although happiness remains elusive––only the mother appears unfazed by events of the past.

Despite their troubled upbringing, the protagonists find ways to enjoy life, whether by going to the theatre, singing at the pub, or attending weddings— nostalgic scenes reminiscent of past times. The film follows an achronological structure and features faded colour photography that enhances the sense of a bygone era, complemented by renditions of popular songs from that time. A 4K restoration was released to commemorate the film’s 30th anniversary, reviving this masterpiece of contemporary British cinema.

M+ Cinema will present a 4K restoration of this film.

Terrence Davies (1945–2023, United Kingdom) worked as a shipping office clerk and as an unqualified accountant before leaving Liverpool to attend Coventry Drama School. There, he worked on the autobiographical short Children (1976), which would form part of the acclaimed Terence Davies Trilogy (1983), as well as Madonna and Child (1980) and Death and Transfiguration (1983). His other works include Distant Voices, Still Lives (1988), The Long Day Closes (1992), The Neon Bible (1995), The House of Mirth (2000), Of Time and the City (2008), and A Quiet Passion (2016).