Directed by Oliver Hermanus, The History of Sound brings together Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor in a quiet, introspective queer romance set against the backdrop of World War I. Adapted from Ben Shattuck’s short story, the film follows Lionel (O’Connor) and David (Mescal), two young men who embark on a government-backed journey across America to collect and preserve voices for archival purposes. As their road trip unfolds, so does a tender but reserved romantic bond between them.
The film is handsomely shot and carefully composed, featuring lush landscapes and restrained performances. However, many critics argue that its emotional distance and over-polished aesthetic work against its romantic potential. The chemistry between the leads is understated to a fault, and the drama remains so muted that even the film’s most tragic moments feel oddly subdued.
Though The History of Sound deals with weighty themes — war, memory, loss, and queer identity — it approaches them with a kind of narrative politeness that leaves little room for raw emotion. There’s sincerity in its storytelling, but also a hesitance that may prevent it from truly resonating with audiences. Despite this, it stands as a thoughtful and respectful portrait of a historically silenced love, and may still connect with viewers who appreciate quiet storytelling over melodrama.
With its prestige casting and visually poetic tone, The History of Sound had all the ingredients of an awards contender. But as the BBC notes, its overly restrained delivery may prove “too polite” for a story that could have benefited from more emotional candor.
This article is adapted from content originally published by BBC Culture.
