The History of Sound

The History of Sound is a 2025 period romance that follows two young music students, Lionel and David, as they fall in love over a shared passion for folk music in 1917 Boston. The film takes us from the cramped halls of the New England Conservatory to the quiet backwaters of Maine, where the pair embark on a song‑collecting expedition in the winter of 1920. Along the way they meet a colorful cast of folks, from farmers to college professors, all while the world around them is being reshaped by war and change.

Directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck—who adapted his own short stories “The History of Sound” and “Origin Stories”—the movie is a gentle, visually stunning meditation on intimacy, memory, and the power of music to preserve culture. The story is told over 128 minutes of lush cinematography, with a soundtrack that feels as much a character as the actors. Paul Mescal plays Lionel with a quiet intensity that recalls his Oscar‑nominated turn in Aftersun, while Josh O'Connor brings a warm, earnest presence to David. The supporting cast, including Chris Cooper as older Lionel and Hadley Robinson as Belle Sinclair, adds depth to the world of early‑20th‑century America.

The film premiered in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 21 and was released in the United States by Mubi on September 12, 2025. Critics have given it a solid reception: 69 % of 112 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are positive, and Metacritic scores it 63 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Many reviewers praise its beautiful production design and the actors’ performances, though some note that the pacing can feel drawn‑out and the narrative trajectory a bit familiar. If you’re a fan of period dramas, LGBTQ+ romance, or stories that weave music into the fabric of everyday life, you’ll likely find this film moving and evocative. On the other hand, if you prefer fast‑paced thrillers or contemporary settings, you might find the film’s leisurely rhythm a bit slow.

Overall, The History of Sound is a heartfelt journey that celebrates the quiet moments of connection and the songs that bind us across time. It’s a film that invites you to sit back, listen, and let the melodies carry you through a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of folk music.