The History of Sound

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1:02

The History of Sound

R

Sep 2025

2h 7m

Romance

Drama

LGBTQ+

History

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

68%

Tomatometer

110 Reviews

90%

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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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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Jonathan Romney

Sight & Sound

Always a carefully controlled director, Hermanus here risks ossifying into a specialist in handsome discretion.

Nov 4, 2025

Full Review

Linda Marric

HeyUGuys

Graceful, tasteful, and just a little too afraid of breaking into song.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 23, 2025

Full Review

Adam Graham

Detroit News

Director Oliver Hermanus keeps everything on a very low heat — too low, in fact, to ever rise to a simmer.

Rated: C

Sep 23, 2025

Full Review

Mey Rude

Out Magazine

Some might not find the story worth the wait. Still, for those that do, The History of Sound is a rewarding, yet tragic, film that will make your heart sing.

Rated: B

Nov 25, 2025

Full Review

Stephen A. Russell

ScreenHub

Hermanus’ impeccably liminal filmmaking captures the vibration of aching: the very echoes of a cherished song long silenced.

Nov 19, 2025

Full Review

Charlotte Simmons

The Treatment (Substack)

In a film that’s fully committed to the beauty that can exist in lieu of barriers, how does one reconcile the act of recording as an entirely conceivable barrier in its own right?

Nov 16, 2025

Full Review

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Thomas M

this is a deeply felt, compassionate, thoughtful movie. it's lovingly breaks your heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/28/25

Full Review

Gabe

Really good story, felt a little long but worth the payoff and such a beautiful ending.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

Full Review

Skip

A subtle and haunting love story pockmarked by the strenght of the human spirits as it champions undenialable love.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

Full Review

Sue D.

Sensitively and beautifully done. We had time for discussion afterward which was terrific.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/25

Full Review

Steve R

Excellent on all levels

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/11/25

Full Review

Michael H

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/05/25

Full Review

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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

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The History of Sound: Movie Clip - Singing Love Songs

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The History of Sound: Featurette - On Set with Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor

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The History of Sound: Trailer 2

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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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