The History of Sound – Release Date, Cast and Reviews

The History of Sound is a 2025 romantic drama that premiered at Cannes, bringing together two of contemporary cinema’s most celebrated young actors in a story spanning decades and continents. Directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, the film explores a relationship between two men united by their passion for American folk music during and after the First World War.

Based on a Pushcart Prize-winning short story by Ben Shattuck, the production has garnered attention for its period setting, musical focus, and nuanced portrayal of queer love. The film debuted in Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, with a confirmed Australian theatrical release later that year.

With distribution handled primarily by MUBI, questions remain about wider availability, including potential UK cinema releases and streaming options. Here’s everything currently known about the film.

What is The History of Sound?

The History of Sound follows two men whose lives become intertwined through music. Lionel, a musically gifted farm boy from 1917 Kentucky, meets David, a composer with a photographic memory, at Boston Conservatory. Their connection deepens into romance amid the backdrop of the First World War.

After their initial meeting, the pair reunites years later for a song-collecting journey through rural Maine, attempting to record folk tunes directly from local communities. David, shaped by his wartime experiences, eventually separates from Lionel, who later seeks him out decades afterward. The narrative concludes in 1980, with Chris Cooper portraying an older Lionel.

At a Glance

Key Points to Know

• Filmed across New York, New Jersey, the United Kingdom, and Italy beginning late February 2024
• Paul Mescal plays Lionel; Josh O’Connor portrays David
• Chris Cooper appears as the older Lionel in the film’s 1980 conclusion
• Runtime runs approximately 127 minutes with an R rating
• Production companies include Closer Media, Film4, End Cue, and Kino Produzioni
• Cinematography credited to Alexander Dynan, whose work on wilderness sequences has drawn particular praise
• The narrative unfolds across multiple decades, from 1917 through 1980

When is the Release Date for The History of Sound?

The History of Sound premiered in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2025, marking the film’s official debut before audiences and press. The film was originally intended to premiere earlier but was delayed due to the time required for score creation, which included training the lead actors to sing folk songs featured in the picture.

Following its Cannes bow, the film has secured a confirmed theatrical release in Australian cinemas on December 18, 2025, distributed by Universal Pictures Australia. The international HD trailer, running approximately 2 minutes and 3 seconds, is currently available through YouTube via Universal Pictures Australia.

Upcoming Release Windows

• Cannes 2025: World premiere in Competition (78th edition) — May 21
• Australia: Theatrical release December 18, 2025
• United Kingdom: No confirmed cinema date as of publication
• Streaming: Availability through MUBI anticipated post-theatrical window, though specific dates remain unannounced

Where to Watch The History of Sound?

For audiences in Australia, the most straightforward path to seeing The History of Sound is attending its confirmed theatrical release on December 18, 2025, through Universal Pictures Australia. Cinema chains and ticket vendors in the region are expected to list showtimes as the date approaches.

MUBI holds distribution rights and represents the most likely home for the film following its theatrical run. The streaming platform, known for curating critically acclaimed and festival-circuit titles, has not yet announced a specific date for adding the film to its library. Those outside Australia seeking theatrical screenings face uncertainty, particularly regarding UK cinema availability.

Options to Consider

• Australian cinemas: Confirmed theatrical release December 18, 2025
• MUBI: Primary streaming distributor; watch for platform announcements after theatrical window
• UK cinemas: No confirmed date; availability may be announced closer to release
• Festival screenings: Additional festival appearances beyond Cannes cannot be ruled out

The trailer, featuring folk music collection scenes and glimpses of the central romance, is currently accessible via Rotten Tomatoes and YouTube. For now, checking MUBI directly remains the best approach for the most current information on where and when the film becomes available in your region.

What Are the Reviews for The History of Sound?

The History of Sound has received a moderate but generally positive reception from critics, holding a 69% approval rating on the Tomatometer based on 141 reviews as of publication. The audience score stands notably higher at 88% on the Popcornmeter, with over 100 verified ratings, suggesting viewers may connect with the film more readily than some professional critics.

Reviewers have consistently praised the performances of Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, with particular emphasis on their on-screen chemistry. The film’s visual approach, including Alexander Dynan’s cinematography of wilderness sequences, has also drawn commendation. Critics have described the tone as melancholic and contemplative, with an emphasis on quiet emotional registers.

Strengths

• Captivating lead performances from Mescal and O’Connor
• Unique thematic focus on American folk music traditions
• Contemplative visual style and atmospheric cinematography
• Organic development of the central romance
• Effective use of post-war ambiguity in character motivations

Criticisms

• Some critics describe the pacing as drawn-out or slow
• The narrative trajectory has been called predictable by certain reviewers
• Familiar tropes associated with queer romance cinema have been noted

IMDb ratings were still emerging following the Cannes premiere at the time of writing. For the most current aggregate scores, IMDb remains the primary reference point.

Production Timeline

The road from Ben Shattuck’s original short story to the Cannes premiere spanned several years and involved development during an unexpected period of global disruption. The following timeline outlines key milestones in the film’s journey to the screen.

1. Pre-production: Ben Shattuck’s short stories gain recognition, including the Pushcart Prize; Oliver Hermanus identifies source material
2. Screenplay development: Shattuck and Hermanus develop the script together during COVID-19 lockdown
3. Casting: Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor cast in late 2021
4. Principal photography: Production begins late February 2024 across New York, New Jersey, UK, and Italy; wraps approximately two months later after schedule adjustments
5. Post-production: Score creation including actors’ singing training extends timeline; original plans to premiere at fall 2024 festivals or Venice are abandoned
6. Cannes premiere: Film premieres May 21, 2025 in Competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival
7. Australian release: Confirmed for December 18, 2025 theatrical release

Confirmed Facts and Open Questions

While substantial information about The History of Sound has emerged from its Cannes premiere and production history, certain details remain established while others await confirmation. The following comparison summarizes what is known and what remains unclear.

Cultural Context and Thematic Depth

The History of Sound occupies a distinctive position within contemporary cinema by centering American folk music traditions during a pivotal historical moment. The First World War serves not merely as backdrop but as a formative force that shapes the characters’ trajectories and ultimately strains their relationship.

The film draws from a broader tradition of queer narratives set against historical periods, a territory director Oliver Hermanus has explored in previous work. His South African background and experience with queer historical dramas inform the film’s sensitive approach to its central relationship.

Folk music collection during this era reflected broader cultural movements in America, with scholars and musicians traveling to rural communities to document songs passed down through generations. The film’s focus on this practice adds educational dimension alongside its romantic narrative, though the production does not position itself as strictly documentary in scope.

Those interested in the intersection of historical fiction and cultural documentation may find parallels with other adaptations exploring similar themes, such as The War of the Worlds – Book, Adaptations and History, which also examines how stories are preserved and transformed across time and media.

Sources and Critical Reception

“A quiet portrait of regret and longing.”

— IONCINEMA review (★★★)

Critical responses have emerged from several outlets following The History of Sound’s Cannes premiere. IONCINEMA praised the film’s elegant pacing and organic development of its central romance, highlighting how the post-war ambiguity allows characters’ motivations to resonate beyond simple plot mechanics. The review specifically commend the chemistry between Mescal and O’Connor as central to the film’s emotional effectiveness.

Rotten Tomatoes’ aggregated scores reflect a divided but generally favorable critical landscape, with the notably higher audience score suggesting the film connects with viewers in ways that professional critique may not fully capture. Production notes and festival documentation form the backbone of confirmed information about timelines and creative decisions.

For readers tracking film industry developments and award season considerations, sources including Rotten Tomatoes, IONCINEMA, and Awards Watch provide ongoing coverage that supplements initial festival reception.

Summary

The History of Sound represents a thoughtful adaptation of Ben Shattuck’s acclaimed short story, brought to the screen by director Oliver Hermanus with commanding performances from Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. The film excels in its atmospheric visual approach and authentic portrayal of folk music traditions during a transformative period in American history.

With its Cannes premiere confirmed and an Australian theatrical date set for December 2025, the film awaits wider distribution through MUBI. Critics have responded with moderate praise, highlighting strong lead work and atmospheric direction while noting pacing and predictability as weaknesses.

For audiences seeking period dramas with musical themes and nuanced queer representation, The History of Sound warrants attention. Developments regarding UK cinema availability and streaming access will likely emerge in the coming months. Those interested in comparable theatrical productions might explore We Will Rock You Musical – Plot, Songs and Production History for additional entertainment options.

Frequently Asked Questions