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Historical drama

The History of Sound (2025): Cast, Ratings & Ending

The History of Sound (2025) movie poster

The History of Sound is a 2025 historical drama directed by Oliver Hermanus, starring Chris Cooper as Older Lionel, Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor. It runs 2 hours 7 minutes and was made on a reported $2.5 million budget. Critics gave it 69% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.

IMDb rating
6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
69%
Echo Score
72
Metascore
64
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The History of Sound (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 7m (127 min)
Director
Oliver Hermanus
Genres
Drama , History , Music , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
Film4
Budget
$2.5M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The History of Sound About?

The premise of The History of Sound without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Set in the aftermath of World War I, the film follows two young men—Lionel (Paul Mescal) and David (Josh O'Connor)—who devote themselves to capturing the lives, voices and music of their fellow countrymen. While documenting these stories, their partnership deepens into a tender romance.

The History of Sound Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • gay relationship
  • gay
  • gay interest
  • male male relationship
  • young
  • world war one
  • love
  • gay kiss
  • singing
  • male body
  • handsome man
  • kentucky
+38 more
  • falling in love
  • intimacy
  • gay protagonist
  • boston massachusetts
  • farm
  • man wears eyeglasses
  • maine
  • phonograph
  • folk song
  • lgbt
  • lgbtq
  • wax cylinder audio recording
  • american
  • countryman
  • mother
  • folk
  • teenager
  • period piece
  • year 1916
  • 20th century
  • 1910s
  • year 1919
  • based on short story
  • kiss
  • soldier
  • humming
  • bonfire
  • piano
  • male camaraderie
  • male protagonist
  • sexual attraction
  • rural setting
  • note
  • world war one veteran
  • sexual tension
  • bad news
  • england
  • american abroad
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Cast & crew

The History of Sound Cast & Characters

Chris Cooper leads the cast as Older Lionel, with Paul Mescal as Lionel and Josh O'Connor as David. Directed by Oliver Hermanus; 20 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The History of Sound

· 16 more
From the director

More from Oliver Hermanus

More films directed by Oliver Hermanus, best-rated first: Moffie, Living, The History of Sound and Moffie.

Full filmography
Ratings

The History of Sound Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The History of Sound 69% on Rotten Tomatoes and 64 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 72/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in story & flow (60).

72 /100

The History of Sound Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The History of Sound presents a visually refined period drama that resonates through its musical core, yet its narrative momentum falters at times. Critics commend the film’s lush production design, nuanced leads, and evocative soundtrack, highlighting its emotional depth and haunting atmosphere. Conversely, several reviewers note sluggish pacing and a surface‑level treatment of the central romance, which diminishes engagement. In balance, the film offers a richly crafted experience that rewards attentive viewers despite uneven storytelling.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    ART: The film’s direction and production design earn consistent praise for their meticulous period authenticity and striking visual composition. Critics highlight the measured cinematography and polished set pieces that create an immersive backdrop, though some note that the aesthetic elegance occasionally masks narrative sluggishness. Overall, the art and craft deliver a refined, aesthetically pleasing canvas that supports the story’s emotional tone.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    CHARACTER: Performances by the leads receive commendation for nuanced expression and compelling chemistry, anchoring the film’s emotional core. Reviewers note the actors convey deep longing despite limited exploration of their characters’ inner lives, resulting in a bittersweet resonance. While the portrayal succeeds in evoking sentiment, the lack of deeper psychological probing tempers the overall character impact.

  • Story & Flow 60

    STORY: The narrative’s premise—an ethnomusicologist’s quest intertwined with a wartime romance—offers originality, yet pacing inconsistencies dilute its momentum. Critics cite a languid first half and occasional detours that stall engagement, while others acknowledge the heartfelt resolution and thematic depth. Consequently, the story balances inventive ambition with structural unevenness, affecting overall coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    SENSORY: The film’s soundscape and musical integration receive strong commendation, with critics highlighting the soulful undercurrents and haunting song recordings that enrich the narrative texture. Visual style complements this with a cohesive, period‑accurate palette, though some reviewers find the auditory mix occasionally subdued. Overall, the sensory elements coalesce into an immersive experience that underscores the film’s emotional resonances.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    REWATCH: The film’s lyrical composition and visual richness inspire repeat viewings for audiences seeking deeper emotional layers, as noted by critics anticipating future revisits to its songs and cinematography. However, the heavy emotional weight and occasional pacing lulls may deter casual rewatchability. Overall, the work offers lasting appeal for attentive viewers, though its replay value is moderated by structural fatigue.

Plot

The History of Sound Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The History of Sound from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1917, Paul Mescal plays Lionel Worthing, a music student at the Boston Conservatory, who meets fellow student Josh O’Connor David White at a pub, and the two instantly bond over their shared love of folk music before returning to David’s apartment for an intimate night. As their connection deepens, the war darkens the horizon: America enters World War I, David is drafted, while Lionel, who is ineligible due to his eyesight, returns to his home state of Kentucky when the conservatory closes. He puts music aside to tend the family farm after his father dies suddenly, a loss that weighs on him and those around him, including Lionel Sr. (portrayed by Raphael Sbarge).

Full summary

The whole story of The History of Sound, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Videos

The History of Sound Trailers & Videos

13 videos: 2 trailers, 2 teasers, 4 clips, 4 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

All 13 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer #2
  • Teaser "You ever think about how you want your life to look?"
  • Teaser Don't miss THE HISTORY OF SOUND
  • Clip Official Clip #1
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The History of Sound?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actor portrays Lionel Worthing, the music student at the Boston Conservatory?

Details

The History of Sound Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “Le son des souvenirs” and “더 히스토리 오브 사운드”.

Also known as
  • Le son des souvenirs
  • 더 히스토리 오브 사운드
  • Lịch Sử Âm Thanh
  • 时光留声
  • Історія звуку
  • История звука

Seen The History of Sound?

FAQ

The History of Sound FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of The History of Sound, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The History of Sound?

The History of Sound runs 2 hours 7 minutes (127 minutes).

When was The History of Sound released?

The History of Sound was released on September 12, 2025.

Who directed The History of Sound?

The History of Sound was directed by Oliver Hermanus.

More films by Oliver Hermanus

Who is in the cast of The History of Sound?

The History of Sound stars Chris Cooper as Older Lionel, Paul Mescal as Lionel and Josh O'Connor as David, among 20 credited actors.

What was the budget of The History of Sound?

The History of Sound had a reported budget of $2.5 million.

How is The History of Sound rated?

The History of Sound has 6.9/10 on IMDb, 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.

Does The History of Sound have a post-credit scene?

No. The History of Sound has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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