(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Universal Pictures Australia)
Adapted from Ben Shattuck’s acclaimed 2018 short story, Oliver Hermanus’s The History of Sound is one of 2025’s most anticipated romantic dramas. Shattuck also penned the screenplay of the film, weaving a sweeping love story that unfolds across decades and landscapes.
At the heart of the film are Paul Mescal as Lionel and Josh O’Connor as David—two young men brought together by their shared passion for music. Chris Cooper portrays Lionel later in life, reflecting on a love that shaped his very being. The supporting cast includes Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, Emma Canning, Briana Middleton, Alison Bartlett, and Gary Raymond. Behind the lens, cinematographer Alexander Dynan captures the film’s painterly visuals, while editor Chris Wyatt brings a lyrical rhythm to its storytelling.
Produced by Film4, Closer Media, Tango Entertainment, Storm City Films, End Cue, and Fat City, the film is set against the shifting backdrop of early 20th-century America. It begins in 1917 at the Boston Music Conservatory, where Lionel and David first meet and bond over folk songs. As World War I casts its long shadow, their connection deepens. By 1920, the pair embark on a journey through rural Maine, recording traditional songs that not only preserve a disappearing culture but also echo their growing intimacy. It’s a story about music, memory, and the endurance of love.
Critics at the 78th Cannes Film Festival praised the film’s quiet emotional power, with many singling out Mescal’s singing as a standout highlight. Selected for competition and nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or, The History of Sound made its world premiere on May 21, 2025, and quickly became a festival favorite.
North American distribution is being handled by Mubi, with Focus Features and Universal Pictures releasing the film internationally. U.S. theaters will welcome the film starting September 12, 2025, with a streaming debut on Mubi expected soon after.
With its mix of romance, history, and cultural preservation, The History of Sound is not just a love story—it’s a reflection on what it means to hold onto beauty in times of change.
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