The History of Sound (2025): Cast, Ratings & Plot
The History of Sound is a 2025 music 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 IMDb users rate it 6.9/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 7m (127 min)
- Director
- Oliver Hermanus
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- End Cue
- Budget
- $2.5M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The History of Sound About?
The premise of The History of Sound without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Lionel and David, two music students at the Boston Conservatory in 1917, discover a deep connection through their passion for folk music. Years later, they reunite and set off on a journey to Maine, exploring remote areas to record and preserve traditional songs. Their shared adventure reveals the rich musical heritage of the region and strengthens their bond as they navigate the challenges of their quest.
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; 19 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Oliver Hermanus
-
Chris Cooper as Older Lionel -
Paul Mescal as Lionel -
Josh O'Connor as David - Emma Canning as Clarissa
Also Starring in The History of Sound
· 15 more- Hadley Robinson Belle
- Gary Raymond William
- Brian Hutchison Hal
- Briana Middleton
- Raphael Sbarge Lionel Sr.
- Alison Bartlett Samantha
- Molly Price Lionel's Mother
- Peter Mark Kendall Nathan
- Tom Nelis Grandfather
- Michael D. Xavier Mr. Roux
- Alessandro Bedetti Vincent
- Michael Schantz Bob
- Aedin Moloney Mary Conway
- Aidan Redmond John Conway
- Leo Cocovinis Young Lionel
More from Oliver Hermanus
More films directed by Oliver Hermanus, best-rated first: Moffie, Living, The History of Sound and Moffie.
The History of Sound Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The History of Sound 69% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in character & emotion (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).
The History of Sound Echo Score Breakdown
The History of Sound presents a restrained cinematic experience that balances moments of visual elegance with occasional narrative slack. Critics note the film’s meticulous direction and nuanced performances, yet many point to a languid pace and an under‑developed script that temper its impact. While the sensory palette—particularly its subtle score and restrained visuals—offers occasional rewards, the overall impression remains mixed, leaving a modest but thoughtful impression on viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 70
In terms of direction and visual craftsmanship, the film is praised for its deliberate restraint and occasional striking gestures. Critics commend the understated cinematography and polished production design, but some find the aesthetic overly polished and lacking vitality. The balance of these views results in a generally positive assessment of the film’s artistic execution.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to acting and emotional depth, the leads receive consistent commendation for their chemistry and nuanced performances. Reviewers highlight Mescal’s compelling presence and the pair’s ability to convey intimacy, though a few note that the script does not fully capitalize on their talent. Overall, character work is viewed as a notable strength of the picture.
- Story & Flow 55
The story’s pacing and structural cohesion attract mixed reactions. Some critics appreciate the restrained narrative approach, while others describe the plot as sluggish, under‑developed, and prone to déjà vu. The lack of a compelling arc and moments of narrative inertia lead to an assessment that the storytelling falls short of its ambitions.
- Sensory Experience 65
Sensory elements, including the score and visual style, are recognized for their subtlety and occasional poignancy. Reviewers note a restrained soundtrack and moments of visual lyricism, yet some feel the film’s aesthetic becomes overly polished, diminishing emotional resonance. The overall sensory impression is modestly positive, reflecting both elegance and restraint.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Regarding rewatch value, opinions diverge. The film’s nuanced gestures and layered performances suggest potential for repeat viewings, but its slow tempo and lack of narrative momentum may limit lasting appeal. Consequently, the rewatch factor is assessed as moderate, offering some merit for dedicated viewers but limited broader draw.
-
IMDb 6.9 /10
9932 votes
-
Rotten Tomatoes 69% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 88%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.4 /5
115325 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The History of Sound Plot Summary
What happens in The History of Sound from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In 1917, New England Conservatory music student Lionel Worthing Paul Mescal meets fellow student David White Josh O’Connor at a pub, and the two instantly connect over a shared love of folk music before retreating to David’s apartment for a night that hints at something deeper. As their bond deepens, the United States enters World War I, sending David to the front while Lionel returns to his home state of Kentucky as the conservatory closes. He sets his musical ambitions aside and helps on the family farm after his father dies suddenly, carrying with him a quiet ache and a sense that life has nudged him onto a different path.
Full summary
The whole story of The History of Sound, scene by scene
The History of Sound Trailers & Videos
14 videos: 3 trailers, 2 teasers, 4 clips, 4 featurettes and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Trailer Official Trailer #2
- Trailer International Trailer
- Teaser "You ever think about how you want your life to look?"
- Teaser Don't miss THE HISTORY OF SOUND
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which year do Lionel Worthing and David White first meet at the pub?
Seen The History of Sound?
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 May 21, 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 19 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, 69% on TMDB and 3.4/5 on Letterboxd.
Does The History of Sound have a post-credit scene?
No. The History of Sound has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
