The History of Sound's UK Arrival Fails to Capitalise on Star Power
One of the most eagerly awaited films from last year's Cannes Film Festival, The History of Sound, has finally reached British cinemas after a delayed release strategy. The period romance featuring Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor as lovers in World War One-era America generated significant buzz for its historic gay love story, but has since fizzled with a mixed reception.
A Beautiful Yet Underwhelming Package
Director Oliver Hermanus delivers a poignant, exquisitely shot film that showcases Mescal's finest onscreen work to date, alongside his equally remarkable performance in Hamnet. However, the final product feels smaller and slower than anticipated, failing to provide the sweeping cinematic canvas these talented actors deserve.
Mescal portrays Lionel, a Kentucky farm boy with a gifted voice and synaesthetic response to music that earns him a scholarship to a Boston music conservatory in 1917. There he meets David, played by O'Connor, a composition student "with a thousand songs in his head" whose passion for collecting folk songs creates an immediate connection between the characters.
Chemistry Constrained by Narrative Choices
The natural chemistry between Mescal and O'Connor is undeniable, reminiscent of the powerful connection in Brokeback Mountain. Their initial meeting develops into a surprisingly happy but casual relationship for the period, interrupted only when David is drafted to serve in World War One.
Yet the film remains curiously shy and prudish about depicting their physical relationship, which feels at odds with the passionate nature of the characters. While embraces are shown, the emotional vulnerability of the lead actors could have been explored more deeply, particularly given the historical context of their romance.
Musical Promises Unfulfilled
Surprisingly for a film titled The History of Sound, the musical elements feel underdeveloped. There are lovely singing scenes, but far less folk music than anticipated given David's passion for collecting songs. Mescal, who possesses a pleasant voice, faces the challenging task of living up to Lionel's much-hyped vocal talent whenever he sings, creating moments where the film seems to skirt around fully showcasing this aspect.
The narrative follows Lionel's career across the world throughout the 1920s as he pines for David while pursuing adventures his lover wanted him to experience. The film rigidly notes every date and location in a slightly unnecessary manner, contributing to its sometimes plodding structure.
Redemptive Final Act
The revelations in the film's final act prove more engaging than earlier sections, adding fuel to the poignant and reflective nature of a love still felt decades later. Chris Cooper's appearance as an 80-something Lionel in a touching coda provides emotional resonance that earlier parts of the film sometimes lack.
Key Details:
- Director: Oliver Hermanus
- Writer: Ben Shattuck, based on his short stories
- Cast: Paul Mescal, Josh O'Connor, Chris Cooper
- Age Rating: 15
- Runtime: 2 hours 8 minutes
- UK Release: January 23, 2026
Verdict: Captivating Performances in a Constrained Framework
Mescal and O'Connor prove themselves the captivating onscreen couple their fans hoped they would be, with natural chemistry that elevates every scene they share. The tragedy lies in the film's failure to provide them with the expansive cinematic landscape their talents merit. While beautifully shot and emotionally resonant in places, The History of Sound ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to create something truly groundbreaking in queer cinema.
The film's delayed UK release, arriving months after its September 2025 US debut, has done little to build momentum for what should have been a major cinematic event. For all its visual beauty and strong central performances, The History of Sound leaves audiences wanting more from both its narrative and its exploration of music's emotional power.
