Set in 1917 America, The History of Sound, a film directed by Oliver Hermanus, is a movie based on a short story by Ben Shattuck. It tells the story of Lionel Worth (Paul Mescal), a farm boy from Kentucky with a great talent for music, and David Stein (Josh O’Connor), a worldly man from New England. They set out on a small adventure to record folk songs from rural communities. What starts as a simple project becomes a deep, unspoken connection between them—one that lingers through years of separation, regret, and hope for reconciliation. The idea is captivating—a story about two people trying to hold onto the fleeting sounds of a disappearing world, which mirrors their own fleeting relationship. But as the movie plays, the beautiful music and moments feel too faint, too sparse to fully touch you.
From the start, the film immerses you in a visual world that’s almost like a painting. The cinematographer, Alexander Dynan, captures the Maine shores perfectly. The costumes look worn and real, and the old recording equipment adds a touch of technological wonder.
At the center of the film are Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, who deliver outstanding performances. Mescal plays Lionel as a quiet, intense man who feels deeply but doesn’t always show it. O’Connor’s David is similarly subtle—a man whose quiet presence pulls you in, making you feel the longing in his gazes and small gestures. Their chemistry is natural and believable, especially during tender moments like shared recordings or stolen glances. Their understated performances show why these actors are among the best of their generation.
However, despite their talent, the film struggles with its story. The relationship between Lionel and David lasts only a few months, but it feels stretched out over a lifetime. Their characters don’t get as much depth as they could—Lionel’s transformation from a naive musician to a haunted man feels rushed, and David’s backstory is only hinted at. The film relies on implied emotions rather than showing key conversations or conflicts that would make their inner worlds clearer. The love story between Lionel and David is tender and subtle, set against a backdrop of societal fears and war. It’s reminiscent of Brokeback Mountain—two lovers kept apart by circumstances and secrecy. But unlike Brokeback, which showed the intensity of their passion vividly, this film is more restrained.
The main plot revolves around the idea of recording and preserving folk music—an interesting metaphor for memory and loss. But the story doesn’t fully develop this idea into drama. Later in the film, glimpses of Lionel’s later life and regrets appear, but they feel tacked on, softening the emotional impact. Overall, the film’s focus on mood and atmosphere sometimes comes at the expense of a compelling story.
Despite its storytelling limitations, the film has many beautiful moments. The History of Sound is a delicate, poetic film made memorable by Mescal and O’Connor’s powerful performances. It’s a love story told in whispers, full of quiet beauty but lacking in some emotional and story depth. It’s a film that invites patience and careful listening. For viewers who enjoy subtle, atmospheric movies, it’s a resonant experience; for those looking for a fuller story, it might feel like a beautiful prelude to what could have been a grander symphony.
Screening at Luna Leederville, Windsor Cinema and Luna on SX from December 18.
Screening in the Luna Outdoor Dec 18 (Event), 19, & 22.
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