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The History of Sound

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The History of Sound

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Summary

In 1917 New England, unassuming music student Lionel Worthing meets David White in a bar. There is an instant connection between men with a mutual interest in the history of folk music, and they spark a passionate affair, conducted behind closed doors. Historical drama, starring Paul Mescal, Josh O'Connor and Chris Cooper

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

James Mottram

Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor front this tender, heartfelt period romance, one that has inevitably drawn comparisons to Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain. Set between 1910 and 1927, the story takes flight when Kentucky farm boy Lionel (Mescal) meets David (O'Connor) in a bar, where he is at the piano. Lionel has always had an ear for music, and the two become firm friends before a mutual attraction grows. After David returns from the First World War, unscathed, the two go cross-country, recording folk songs for an academic project. Director Oliver Hermanus (Living) takes his sweet time with this tale, adapted by Ben Shattuck from his own short story. But though it seems to meander around halfway through, Hermanus and Shattuck carefully layer the story with emotional bear-traps; by the end, you will be ensnared. Mescal truly sinks into his role here, taking centre stage in an exquisite tale about the unforgettable nature of love and loss.

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6.9/10

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Credits

Cast

rolenameLionelPaul MescalDavidJosh O'ConnorLionelChris CooperYoung LionelLeo CocovinisLionel's FatherRaphael SbargeLionel's MotherMolly PriceFriend (Boston Bar)Samuel LevineLionel's GrandfatherTom NelisKid #1Cate FinckKid #2Colin Keane

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Crew

rolenameDirectorOliver HermanusWriterBen ShattuckProducerLisa CiuffettiProducerOliver HermanusProducerAndrew KortschakProducerSara MurphyComposerOliver CoatesDirector of photographyAlexander DynanEditorChris WyattCastingSusan ShopmakerProduction designerDeborah Jensen

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Details

Theatrical distributor

Universal

Released on

2026-01-23

Languages

English | Latin | Italian

Guidance

Sex scenes, swearing

Formats

Colour

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