The History of Sound, a historical romantic drama, has been making waves in the film industry. Directed by Oliver Hermanus and written by Ben Shattuck, the movie adapts two of Shattuck’s short stories from his poetry collection. It stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor in an epic tale of music, love, and memory.
The film premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 and was shortlisted for the Palme d’Or. It was later released in the United States on September 12, 2025, via Mubi.
Production relied heavily on real‑world locations to ground its period setting. Filming took place in Italy, New Jersey, and New England. In Italy, the Lazio region and Rome were notable sites, with Tarquinia providing a significant backdrop that added grandeur and authenticity to the post‑war atmosphere. In the United States, the cast worked in New Jersey, using Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown to stand in for parts of the Boston Music Conservatory. Additional scenes were shot in Hoboken, where the restaurant 10th & Willow was temporarily closed for filming, and at the Oakley Farm Museum in Freehold Township.
The story follows Lionel and David, who meet at the Boston Music Conservatory in 1917 and form a musical and romantic connection. After David returns from World War I, the duo embarks on a journey across rural Maine in 1920, documenting folk songs for scholarly preservation. The film explores themes of remembrance, love, loss, and how personal history is shaped by sound and song.
Supporting the leads are Chris Cooper as an older Lionel, Molly Price as his mother, and Briana Middleton as Thankful Mary Swain. The release has generated significant buzz, with many praising its epic narrative and historical setting. The History of Sound stands out as a notable addition to cinema, offering a unique perspective on the power of sound and music in shaping our personal histories.
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