← Back to results
The History of Sound
2025 128 min United Kingdom, United States of America, Sweden R 12+
★6.9
Drama, Romance, Music
Director: Oliver Hermanus
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
Teaser
Teaser
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
In 1917, two young music students attending the Boston Conservatory bond over a mutual love of folk music. They reconnect a few years later, embarking on a song-collecting trip in the backwaters of Maine.
US Gross:
$841,366
Worldwide:
$2.52M
Starring
Paul Mescal
Actor
Josh O'Connor
Actor
Chris Cooper
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2025
— Palme d'Or
Key opinion
The History of Sound is a tender, atmospheric drama centered on the profound chemistry between Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. While some viewers feel the film lacks a robust narrative drive, most praise its nuanced performances and its lyrical exploration of love, music, and the scars of war.
| Acting | Mescal and O'Connor anchor the film with a palpable, nuanced chemistry that elevates the quiet character study. | |
| Direction | Oliver Hermanus provides a lush and intimate directorial vision that effectively grounds the film’s romantic and period elements. | |
| Emotion | The narrative's focus on the preservation of history and human connection creates a powerful and lasting emotional resonance. | |
| Pacing | The film's meditative, slow-burn approach is celebrated by some as a rewarding experience, while others find the thin plot and quiet tempo to be lacking in momentum. | |
| Originality | While music is central to the film’s themes, some viewers feel the actual inclusion of folk music performance is insufficient. |