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The History of Sound

The History of Sound is a 2025 period romantic drama film directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The History of Sound is a 2025 period romantic drama film directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck. Adapted from Shattuck’s short fiction, it stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor as two music students who form a relationship and later travel through rural Maine collecting folk songs after World War I.

Premise

The film centers on two music students who meet in 1917 and later reunite for a song-collecting journey in Maine. Its narrative combines romance with themes of memory, folk tradition, and recording culture.

Production

The History of Sound was directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck, who adapted the work from his short stories. The cast is led by Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

Release

The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 21, where it competed for the Palme d'Or. It was later released in the United States by Mubi on September 12, 2025.

Reception

The film received coverage from major film critics and outlets following its festival premiere and theatrical release. Reviews noted its historical setting and the central relationship between the two lead characters.

Key facts

  • The film is set in the aftermath of World War I and follows two men connected by music.
  • Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor play the lead roles of Lionel and David.
  • It premiered in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
  • The screenplay was adapted by Ben Shattuck from his own short stories.
  • The story involves field recording and collecting traditional folk songs in Maine.
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Canadian context

The film is of interest to Canadian readers as part of contemporary international festival cinema and the wider circulation of independent films in Canada through art-house and specialty distributors.

Frequently asked questions

What is The History of Sound?
It is a 2025 period romantic drama film directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck.
Who stars in The History of Sound?
Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor play the two lead roles.
What is the film based on?
It is adapted from Ben Shattuck’s short stories "The History of Sound" and "Origin Stories".
When did the film premiere?
It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025.
What is the film about?
It follows two men who meet as music students, develop a relationship, and later travel through rural Maine collecting folk songs.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_History_of_Sound
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, writer, cast, plot, Cannes premiere, and U.S. release date.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-history-of-sound-josh-oconnor-paul-mescal-film-review-2025
    Supports: Plot context and adaptation from Ben Shattuck’s story.
  3. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/movies/the-history-of-sound-review.html
    Supports: Setting, narrative focus, runtime, rating, and release context.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_history_of_sound
    Supports: Synopsis involving the two lead characters and their folk-song collecting trip.