The History of Sound

Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor in a musical love drama by Oliver Hermanus. Now in theaters Intimes.

In 1917, the reserved and talented music student Lionel (Paul Mescal) moves from rural Kentucky to the East Coast, where he meets his charming and self-confident fellow student David (Josh O'Connor) at the Boston Conservatory. The two grow closer through their shared, deeply felt love of traditional folk music, but then David is drafted into the army. A few years later, Lionel receives a letter in which David asks his friend to accompany him on a journey through the woods of Maine. The two men not only share moments of intimate togetherness, but also discover almost forgotten folk music in rural communities. Their eagerly awaited reunion, their passionate love story and the music they have collected and preserved will shape the course of Lionel's life forever.

Based on the short stories "The History of Sound" and "Origin Stories" by Ben Shattuck, who also wrote the screenplay.

Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor play star-crossed lovers in a a sweeping, moving and tender romance. In 1917, Lionel-a young, talented music student-meets David at the Boston Conservatory, where they bond over a deep love of folk music. Years later, Lionel receives a letter from David, leading to an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional songs. This unexpected reunion, ensuing love affair, and the music they collect and preserve, will shape the course of Lionel's life far beyond his own awareness.

The History of Sound - Now in theaters Intimes