Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore Share Songs From New Film Score

Following their earlier collaboration this year, ambient musicians Julianna Barwick and Mary Lattimore have come together once again to create the soundtrack for Threshold, a documentary centered on Olympic cross-country skier Jessie Diggins. The film is directed by American siblings Lars and Torsten Brinkema and explores the life and achievements of Diggins.

Threshold marks the duo’s second major joint project within a single year, following their debut collaborative album, Tragic Magic, which was released in January and supported by a shared tour. This new score offers a distinct musical approach tailored to the film’s narrative, contrasting with the broader experimental scope of their previous album.

Ahead of the documentary’s official release on November 20, Barwick and Lattimore have unveiled three tracks from the score: “Cold Open,” “Sick and Tired,” and “Gallivare 10km.” These pieces provide insight into the mood and texture that underpin the cinematic portrayal of Diggins’ journey.

Whereas Tragic Magic imposed limitations on the types of instruments used—focusing on historic and delicate sounds that shaped its mysterious atmosphere—Threshold embraces a more expansive instrumental palette. However, the artists note that this broader sonic freedom was balanced by the need to serve the documentary’s story and the directors’ vision, grounding the music within the context of Diggins’ life.

This duality presented a creative challenge, as the duo navigated between the unrestricted experimentation of their album and the structured demands of scoring a biographical film. The process underscored the distinct yet complementary nature of their collaborations.

The partnership between Barwick and Lattimore continues to highlight their strengths as composers capable of crafting immersive soundscapes. Their ability to adapt their ambient and experimental sensibilities to both standalone albums and cinematic projects demonstrates a versatile and evolving creative synergy.

Details regarding the full scope of the Threshold documentary’s release and additional soundtrack content remain limited. Nevertheless, the early release of select tracks offers a preview of how the musicians’ signature ethereal textures will interact with the inspiring athletic narrative.

Barwick and Lattimore’s work on Threshold not only enriches the documentary format but also expands their discography with a project that intertwines music and film. The collaboration reinforces their standing in the contemporary ambient music scene and exemplifies their commitment to exploring new artistic contexts.

As fans await the documentary’s premiere, the score’s initial tracks invite listeners into an auditory exploration of resilience and triumph, aligned with Jessie Diggins’ Olympic story. This release signals a fruitful year for the duo, marked by both artistic exploration and meaningful partnerships.