THE HISTORY OF SOUND reviewed by Kit Gilby

Having premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, THE HISTORY OF SOUND is Oliver Hermanus’ highly anticipated period-romance featuring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

The film follows the life of Lionel Worthing (Mescal), a talented singer with an adoration for folk music, and the romantic relationship he builds with fellow musician, David White (O’Connor). Prior to David’s drafting, and continuing after his return from World War I, the story delves into the fragility of their relationship as they navigate their growing emotions, differing beliefs, David’s undiagnosed shellshock, and a communication breakdown – all while travelling rural Maine to collect recordings of local folk songs.

Writer Ben Shattuck has crafted two very distinct characters as the leads in THE HISTORY OF SOUND; Lionel, the working-class young man who grew up on the family farm, and David, a young man born into privilege but orphaned at a young age. Their initial meeting in a local pub, sparked by a shared love for music, unfolds with gentle humour and passion as the two tinker on the pub piano.

The pair share many touching moments throughout the film, across various intimate settings, including David’s flat and the forests they walk through on their travels. Despite the characters’ early charismatic potential, the story is an exceptionally slow burn with a minimal character arc given to the lead, Lionel. This may be due to a lack of active conflict between the pair, which would allow for character growth and help justify their future actions.

A notable part of David’s character development is his experience of shellshock and insomnia, triggered by his service in the War. O’Connor’s performance touches upon this with a sensitivity and empathy that harrowingly depicts David’s spiral into depression and the shattering effect it has on his connection with the world around him.

One of the standout features of this film is the beautiful string accompaniment, with its recurring motifs underscoring the emotional peaks throughout the story. The simple yet engaging instrumental folk melodies perfectly complement the rustic backdrop of Lionel and David’s travels to rural communities, which emphasises how intrinsically linked folk music is to both nature and community spirit. Alongside the instrumental choices for the film, there are many moments of moving vocals from not only Mescal and O’Connor, but also from the supporting cast.

THE HISTORY OF SOUND is a touching love-letter to music that demonstrates precisely how folk music elevates human communication and creates a deep-rooted emotional connection in all of us.