Emotionally Faint, 'The History of Sound' Trades on Too Subtle a Romantic Ache

Emotionally faint, 'The History of Sound' trades on too subtle a romantic ache

Josh O'Connor and Paul Mescal play secret lovers in director Oliver Hermanus' WWI-era romance, one that never sharpens into the vivid sense of heartbreak you're hoping for.

The Muted, Melancholy Synesthetics of “The History of Sound”

Justin Chang reviews “The History of Sound,” a period drama directed by Oliver Hermanus and starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

Review: The History of Sound - Chicago Reader

The History of Sound in limited release in theaters The post Review: The History of Sound appeared first on Chicago Reader.

‘The History of Sound’ Review: Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Make Love and Music in Oliver Hermanus’ Affecting Wartime Romance

Editor’s Note: This review was originally published during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. MUBI opens “The History of Sound” in select theaters Friday, September 12. The false notes are rare in director Oliver Hermanus’ affecting and dustily textured romance “The History of Sound,” written by Ben Shattuck from his own short story about men in love, together and apart, circa World War I and its aftermath. But for a queer love story starring two of…