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Paul Mescal is sitting in bed looking sad and gorgeous again. That seems to be a recurring theme throughout a number of the movie star’s most famous projects (think: Aftersun, Normal People, and All of Us Strangers), but his upcoming film, The History of Sound, deserves particular attention for connecting him with yet another infamously scruffy romantic lead: Josh O’Connor, beloved for his roles in Challengers, La Chimera, and The Crown.
In The History of Sound, adapted from author Ben Shattuck’s short story of the same name, Mescal and O’Connor play Lionel and David, both folk music aficionados, who meet in 1917 at the Boston Conservatory. After World War I, they reunite in 1920 to travel through Maine, collecting and preserving traditional folk songs—and embarking on a love affair along the way. The film first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this spring, and ELLE’s critic proclaimed the period piece “quietly epic” and “a masterclass in tender restraint.”
Here’s what we know about the project so far.
The History of Sound: Stories
$12.49 at amazon.com
Who stars in The History of Sound?
Alongside Mescal and O’Connor, the film stars Molly Price, Alison Bartlett, and Chris Cooper, per Deadline—though it seems primarily intended as a star vehicle for its charismatic male leads.
Who’s behind the camera?
Oliver Hermanus (Living) directed The History of Sound, with cinematography by Alexander Dynan and the screenplay by Shattuck himself.
When does the movie come out?
After its Cannes debut, Mubi bought North American distribution rights, and Focus Features snagged international. In the U.S., The History of Sound will land in theaters on September 12, 2025, with a likely MUBI streaming release to follow.
Is there a trailer?
Yes—and it features both O’Connor and Mescal singing. It’ll be well worth the price of a ticket just to hear more.
This story will be updated.
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