Will two of the UK’s biggest up-and-coming leading men be enough to make “A History Of Sound” a hit when it arrives in theaters this Fall? We’ll see what happens, but Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor are a tough duo to bet against, so maybe this queer historical drama has a shot to make a mark on the upcoming awards season.
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Starting in 1917 and spanning six decades, Mescal and O’Connor star in the film as two music students at the Boston Conservatory whose impromptu journey to collect traditional folk song in the Maine backwoods changes their lives forever.
Here’s an official synopsis of “A History Of Sound,” courtesy of MUBI:
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 to an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional songs. This unexpected reunion, ensuing love affair, and the music they collect and preserve, will shape the course of Lionel’s life far beyond his own awareness.
Along with Mescal and O’Connor, “A History Of Sound” also stars Molly Price, Alison Bartlett, and Chris Cooper.
Oliver Harmanus directs a screenplay by Ben Shattuck for “A History Of Sound,” based on Shattuck’s short story of the same name. Producers on the film include Hermanus, Lisa Ciuffetti, Andrew Kortschak, Sara Murphy, Thérèsa Ryan, and Zhang Xin.
“A History Of Sound” had its world premiere in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The Playlist’s review of it from the fest awarded it a B; read it here.
“A History Of Sound” hits theaters on September 12, courtesy of MUBI. Watch the new trailer for the historical drama below.
