The first look poster for ‘The History of Sound’
| Photo Credit: MUBI
Mubi has released the official trailer for The History of Sound, a historical romance starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Palme d’Or, is based on a short story by Ben Shattuck, who also wrote the screenplay.
Set during and after World War I, The History of Sound follows Lionel (Mescal), a gifted singer from rural Kentucky who leaves home to study music in Boston. There, he meets David (O’Connor), a fellow student and composer. After David is drafted into the war, the two reunite in 1920 to travel through the forests and islands of Maine, collecting folk songs to preserve them for future generations.
The film traces Lionel’s journey through Europe in the following years, as he finds professional success and forms new relationships. However, he remains haunted by his brief time with David, and struggles to understand the lasting impact of their connection.
Directed by Oliver Hermanus (Living, Moffie), the film is produced by End Cue, Fat City, Closer Media, Film4, Tango Entertainment, and Storm City Films. The ensemble of producers includes Andrew Kortschak, Lisa Ciuffetti, Sara Murphy, and Zhang Xin, among others.
The film’s release adds to a growing list of recent queer period dramas and is being praised for its restraint and lyrical storytelling. Both Mescal and O’Connor, known for Aftersun and The Crown respectively, are receiving early awards attention for their performances.
The History of Sound will be distributed by Mubi and hits U.S. theatres on September 12.
Published – July 25, 2025 02:42 pm IST
