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The History of Sound

Play trailer 1:02 Poster for The History of Sound R 2025 2h 7m Romance Drama LGBTQ+ History Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
69% Tomatometer 143 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 100+ Verified Ratings
"The History of Sound" follows two young men -- Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O'Connor) -- in the shadows of WWI who are determined to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen. As they begin to log the events, the two fall in love.
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The History of Sound

The History of Sound

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Critics Consensus

Its drawn-out pacing and overly familiar trajectory undermine its potential to truly surprise, but The History of Sound nonetheless offers a visually stunning and well-acted journey through its melancholic exploration of human connection.

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Critics Reviews

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Udita Jhunjhunwala Livemint Jan 27, 2026
...the film is confident in its choices, content to let the music and its lead actors do the heavy lifting, as Lionel and David fight battles both externally and internally. Go to Full Review Laura Venning Empire Magazine Jan 27, 2026
4/5
A profoundly affecting story of doomed love and lost time that boasts captivating performances from Mescal and O’Connor. Come for the boys, stay for the magic of storytelling through song. Go to Full Review Mark Kermode Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube) Jan 26, 2026
I thought it was a beautiful film. Go to Full Review Belen Prieto Espinof Aug 19, 2026
3/5
The History of Sound may not be the sweeping romance many expected from Mescal and O'Connor, but that's precisely where part of its charm lies: it's a film about a fleeting love that never truly fades... [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Robert W. Butler Butler's Cinema Scene Jul 21, 2026
B+
The acting… well, as if I didn’t already love Paul Mescal to pieces, he here so fully inhabits Lionel that we can almost hear his thoughts beneath that respectful reticence. Go to Full Review Filipe Freitas Always Good Movies May 22, 2026
2/5
While the narrative remains frustratingly superficial—technically polished yet dramatically inert, most of the film feels trapped in repetition, particularly during the musical interludes, which tend to weaken rather than deepen the emotional current. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Thomas M Oct 28, 2025 this is a deeply felt, compassionate, thoughtful movie. it's lovingly breaks your heart. See more Gabe Oct 18, 2025 Really good story, felt a little long but worth the payoff and such a beautiful ending. See more Skip Oct 18, 2025 A subtle and haunting love story pockmarked by the strenght of the human spirits as it champions undenialable love. See more Sue D. Oct 18, 2025 Sensitively and beautifully done. We had time for discussion afterward which was terrific. See more Steve R Oct 11, 2025 Excellent on all levels See more Michael H Oct 5, 2025 This is a beautifully simple, artful, and emotional film. The dramatic restraint and pace mirrors its subject matter. I was swept up by the beauty and ache of the story. See more Read all reviews
The History of Sound

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Cast & Crew

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Oliver Hermanus

Director

Paul Mescal

Lionel

Josh O'Connor

David

Peter Mark Kendall

Nathan

Chris Cooper

Older Lionel

Molly Price

Lionel's Mother

Movie Clips

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The History of Sound

The History of Sound: Exclusive Movie Clip - Window The History of Sound: Exclusive Movie Clip - Window 1:37 Now Playing The History of Sound: Movie Clip - Singing Love Songs The History of Sound: Movie Clip - Singing Love Songs 2:01 Now Playing View more videos

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The History of Sound

The History of Sound: Featurette - On Set with Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor The History of Sound: Featurette - On Set with Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor 0:55 Now Playing The History of Sound: Trailer 2 The History of Sound: Trailer 2 1:02 Now Playing The History of Sound: Trailer 1 The History of Sound: Trailer 1 2:28 Now Playing Paul Mescal's Must-Watch TV & Movie Picks Paul Mescal's Must-Watch TV & Movie Picks 0:23 Now Playing View more videos
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The History of Sound

The History of Sound (2025) The History of Sound (2025) The History of Sound (2025) The History of Sound (2025) The History of Sound (2025) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis "The History of Sound" follows two young men -- Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O'Connor) -- in the shadows of WWI who are determined to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen. As they begin to log the events, the two fall in love.
Director
Oliver Hermanus
Producer
Oliver Hermanus, Andrew Kortschak, Sara Murphy, Thérèsa Ryan, Zhang Xin
Screenwriter
Ben Shattuck, Oliver Hermanus
Distributor
MUBI
Production Co
Closer Media, Film4, End Cue, Kino Produzioni
Rating
R (Some Sexuality)
Genre
Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+, History
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 12, 2025, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA)
$833.8K
Runtime
2h 7m
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