Earlier this year, it became apparent that Netflix was stacking the deck with a ton of films that would normally be considered awards contenders. Films like “The Laundromat,” “Dolemite is My Name,” “The Irishman,” and “Marriage Story” are all original projects released by the streaming service that are getting awards buzz already. Tomorrow, Netflix releases yet another Oscar contender with the film “The King.” And even if the film itself isn’t an Oscars behemoth, there’s no question that the score is worth checking out all by itself.
In honor of “The King” arriving on Netflix, as well as the debut of the original score by composer Nicholas Britell, we’re thrilled to present an exclusive musical track from the film. The new film stars Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Lily-Rose Depp, Robert Pattinson, and Ben Mendelsohn and is a loose adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2” and “Henry V.” The film is directed by David Michôd, who also co-wrote the script with actor Edgerton.
The incredible music heard in the period drama comes courtesy of Britell, who is a powerhouse in the film industry. He’s the man that has been nominated for Oscars for his two collaborations with filmmaker Barry Jenkins, “Moonlight” and “If Beale Street Could Talk,” and is also the musical mind behind projects with filmmaker Adam McKay, such as “Succession,” “Vice,” and “The Big Short.” Needless to say, he’s one of the best composers working in film today.
“Although it’s set in the early 15th century, ‘The King’ tells a story with themes that resonate for any time period,” said Britell. “My first instinct upon seeing a rough cut of the film was actually to imagine that the film was set not in the 15th century but in the 25th century. I tried to think of a set of sounds that could work in either the past or the future.”
“I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Nicholas Britell,” added Michôd. “I wanted ‘The King’s’ score to be rich and classic and full, but also unusual, otherworldly. Nick’s talent, deep musical knowledge and especially his unique voice, made him the perfect fit.”
Timed perfectly with the release of the film, the original score for “The King” will be available digitally on November 1, courtesy of Lakeshore Records.
You can hear the exclusive track below, as well as take a look at the film’s trailer:
Track List
01. Ballade in C# Minor: Coronation
02. Estampie – Eastcheap
03. Song of Hal: Strings in C# Minor
04. Tetrachord – War and Fate
05. Canticle in E Minor
06. Hymn – Mvmt 1: Prelude
07. Ballade in F# Minor: Trebuchets
08. Song of Hal: Strings in B Minor
09. Ballade in B-flat Minor: Descent
10. Antiphon
11. Marche – Agincourt
12. Hymn – Mvmt 2: Lament
13. Tetrachord – Rex
14. Hymn – Mvmt 3: Elegy
15. Song of Hal: Conclusio in C Minor