The History of Sound Premieres at 2025 Cannes Film Festival

The History of Sound is an upcoming period drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, directed by Oliver Hermanus, and set to premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Adapted from Ben Shattuck’s acclaimed short story, the film follows two young men, Lionel and David, who meet at a New England music conservatory after World War I and embark on a journey to record the songs and stories of Americans affected by the war. The romance between the leads is depicted with emotional intimacy and avoids common queer cinema tropes of fear or shame, instead focusing on genuine connection and vulnerability. Director Hermanus, drawing from personal experience, aims for a universally resonant and fulfilling portrayal of queer love, emphasizing companionship and emotional truth over trauma. Early images reveal a palpable chemistry between Mescal and O’Connor, and the film is already generating awards buzz ahead of its premiere. The supporting cast includes Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, and others, with the story promising both tender and tragic turns.