Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor in ‘The History of Sound’ Official Trailer
by Alex Billington
July 24, 2025
Source: YouTube
“There was a moment when I realized that I had probably never been as happy as I was when collecting songs..” Mubi has revealed the first official trailer for a heartrending, romantic film titled The History of Sound, made by acclaimed South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus. This premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival a few months ago to mixed reviews – some raves, but plenty of negative reviews as well. Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor play star-crossed lovers Lionel and David in the film – a sweeping, moving and tender romance from Oliver Hermanus. Two young men during World War I set out to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen. They’re both in love with folk music and walk through the forests of Maine to find and record these songs forever. But little do they know this will change the course of both of their lives. The History of Sound stars Mescal and O’Connor, with Molly Price, Alison Bartlett, Hadley Robinson, Raphael Sbarge, and Chris Cooper as older Lionel. I’m a big fan of both of these actors, they’re quite talented, but this isn’t their best film. It has a few lovely moments but it’s mostly a dud.
Here’s the first official trailer (+ poster) for Oliver Hermanus’ film The History of Sound, from YouTube:
In 1917, Lionel — a young, talented music student — meets David at the Boston Conservatory, where they bond over a deep love of folk music. Years later, Lionel receives a letter from David, leading him on an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional songs. This unexpected reunion, ensuing love affair, and the folk music they collect and preserve, will shape the course of Lionel’s life far beyond his own awareness. The History of Sound is directed by acclaimed South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, director of the films Shirley Adams, Beauty, The Endless River, Moffie, and Living previously, plus eps of the series “Mary & George” most recently. The screenplay is written by Ben Shattuck. Produced by Lisa Ciuffetti, Oliver Hermanus, Andrew Kortschak, Sara Murphy, Thérèsa Ryan, and Zhang Xin. This first premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Mubi will debut Hermanus’ The History of Sound film in select US theaters starting September 12th, 2025 coming soon. Anyone want to watch?