Hollywood’s latest period drama, ‘The History of Sound’, premiered at Cannes with a star-studded cast featuring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor as gay lovers. However, despite its expensive production and impressive casting, the film falls short in conveying passion and urgency.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, the story follows Lionel, a talented Kentucky farm boy who finds himself in a relationship with David, a composition student. As they navigate their love amidst the war’s outbreak, Lionel must decide between settling down with David or pursuing his musical ambitions.
Despite its promising premise, ‘The History of Sound’ feels overly old-fashioned and conventional, mirroring some classic Merchant Ivory films from the 1980s and 90s. The film’s pacing is leisurely, with multiple endings that leave viewers questioning the true nature of the narrative.
While Mescal and O’Connor deliver nuanced performances, their characters lack the depth and emotional resonance required to truly capture the essence of same-sex romance during wartime. The movie’s emphasis on aesthetics over substance detracts from its impact, leaving audiences feeling underwhelmed by the experience.
‘The History of Sound’ is a daring project in itself, given its exploration of same-sex romance in a period drama. However, this brave endeavor falls short due to its inability to ignite passion and urgency.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250521-the-history-of-sound-review-paul-mescal-and-josh-oconnors-gay-romance-is-too-polite