Our favourite sad boyfriends, Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal, are back to break our hearts all over again in the first trailer for The History Of Sound.
The Oliver Hermanus-directed film is based on the short story of the same name written by Ben Shattuck, who’s also penned the adaptation screenplay.
An historical drama spanning decades, The History Of Sound is set against the backdrop of WWI and follows the lives of Lionel (played by Mescal) and David (played by O’Connor) as they drift in and out of each other’s lives.
After premiering at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, those who weren’t fortunate enough to score an invite were left waiting with bated breath to experience this promised pairing. Now, we have our answer, with Mubi releasing the trailer for the hotly anticipated film on July 24 and sending us into a spiritual, emotional and physical spiral.
Below, everything we know about what to expect from The History Of Sound including – as its name might suggest – the enchanting vocals we get to hear from the leading men.
Watch The Trailer For The History Of Sound
Get ready for a flood of emotions because the first trailer for The History Of Sound film is finally here.
In it, we see the music students-turned-lovers, Lionel and David, traversing the complicated world of pre-war Maine, as they spend their time collecting folk songs in order to preserve them for future generations.
While we had an inkling that a film of this nature – starring two of the most emotionally powerful men in Hollywood – might make us feel a certain way, we didn’t expect it to hit as hard as it did in the trailer.
Addressing a sombre-looking David (O’Connor) as he sets off for war, Lionel (Mescal) knew exactly what it would do to our souls when he issued his parting caution. “Don’t die,” he requests (or rather, pleads) before the scene switches to the future, where Lionel appears to be married with children, and David is notably absent.
Needless to say, if you’re looking for a light-hearted romance – this one’s probably not going to be it for you – but see for yourself, below.
What Is The History Of Sound About?
Per the Cannes website, the synopsis for the film reads: “Lionel is a talented singer from rural Kentucky raised on the songs his father would sing on the front porch. In 1917, he leaves his family farm to attend the Boston Music Conservatory. There he meets David, a charming music composing student who is soon drafted into the end of the war.
“In 1920, the two spend a winter walking through the forests and islands of Maine, collecting folk songs in order to preserve them for future generations. Lionel drifts through Europe in his twenties and thirties, building a new life of profound success and happiness, and experiencing new loves,” the description continues.
“Yet he is constantly drawn back to memories of his brief time with David, trying to understand the impact of their relationship. Eventually, a reminder of their work together reveals why their connection rang loud.”
When Is The Film Out?
While the film premiered at Cannes in May, it will make its cinema debut internationally on September 12, 2025.
However, Australian audiences might have to wait a little longer, as is (sadly) often the case, with local theatres currently anticipating a release date closer to January 15, 2026.
Until then, we’ll be investing in some serious pre-screening prep by working our way through the Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal archives. Another round of Normal People, anyone?
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