The History of Sound

The History of Sound
The History of Sound
Directed by	Oliver Hermanus
Screenplay by	Ben Shattuck
Based on	"The History of Sound"; by Ben Shattuck
Produced by	Lisa Ciuffetti; Oliver Hermanus; Andrew Kortschak; Sara Murphy; Thérèsa Ryan; Zhang Xin;
Starring	Paul Mescal; Josh O'Connor;
Cinematography	Alexander Dynan
Edited by	Chris Wyatt
Production; companies	Film4; End Cue; Fat City; Tango Entertainment; Closer Media; Storm City Films;
Distributed by	Mubi (United States and Canada); Focus Features; Universal Pictures (International);
Release dates	May 21, 2025 (Cannes); September 12, 2025 (United States);
Running time	127 minutes
Countries	United States; United Kingdom;
Language	English

The History of Sound is a 2025 historical romantic drama film directed by Oliver Hermanus, written by Ben Shattuck, and based on his short story of the same name. It follows the relationship between David (Josh O'Connor) and Lionel (Paul Mescal), who meet in 1917 while attending the Boston Music Conservatory, and after World War I travel together recording folk songs of their countrymen in rural Maine in the summer of 1920.

The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or. It is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 12, 2025.