The History of Sound
Two music students bond over folk songs in 1917 Boston, then reunite years later for a song-collecting trip through rural Maine.
Where to watch online
Official services. The link goes straight to this film.
Availability data by JustWatch
About the film
What it’s about
In 1917, Lionel and David meet as students at the Boston Conservatory, united by a love of folk music. Years later they come together again and travel through the backwaters of Maine to collect traditional songs.
What hooks you
Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor play Lionel and David. The film was first announced in October 2021, but coordinating the schedules of director Oliver Hermanus and the two leads delayed shooting until February 2024. Chris Cooper, who plays the older Lionel, recorded an audio version of the original short story that inspired the screenplay. The picture was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
Who it’s for
It is worth a look for anyone who enjoys character-driven drama where emotions simmer beneath the surface, and for those drawn to period settings, folk music, and the shadow of World War I.
- Countries
- United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy
- Year
- 2025
- Running time
- 2h 8min
- Age rating
- 17+
- MPAA
- R
- World premiere
- May 21, 2025
Ratings
MOVIE․ONE · 196 votesCreative team
All 16- 01 Leo Cocovinis Actor
-
02
Paul Mescal
Lionel
-
03
Josh O'Connor
David · David White
-
04
Molly Price
Lionel's Mother
-
05
Chris Cooper
Older Lionel
-
06
Raphael Sbarge
Lionel's Father
-
07
Hadley Robinson
Belle Sinclair
-
08
Samuel H. Levine
Actor
-
09
Emma Canning
Clarissa Roux
-
10
Tom Nelis
Actor
-
11
Michael Schantz
Bob Sinclair
-
12
Emily Bergl
Mrs. Roux (credited as: Emily A. Bergl)
- 13 Cate Finck Actor
-
14
Peter Mark Kendall
Nathan McCloud
-
15
Briana Middleton
Thankful Mary Swain
Trivia
- Work on the film was first announced in October 2021, but the need to coordinate the schedules of director Oliver Hermanus and cast members Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor meant that filming only began in February 2024.
- Chris Cooper, who plays the older Lionel, recorded an audio version of the original short story that served as the literary source for the screenplay.
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The History of Sound (2025)
The History of Sound
2025
The History of Sound
2025
The History of Sound
2025