Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal are stepping into a moving queer love story in The History of Sound, and new stills from the film are already sending fans into a frenzy.
Released exclusively by Vanity Fair, the newly revealed images show the two acclaimed actors fully immersed in their roles. One shot captures Mescal floating peacefully in a pool while O’Connor lounges nearby, cigarette in hand. Another features the duo sharing laughter beside a piano—offering a glimpse into the quiet intimacy that defines their on-screen romance.
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Directed by Living filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, The History of Sound is a tender period piece set in post-World War I America. The film follows David (O’Connor) and Lionel (Mescal), two young men who fall in love while studying at a New England music conservatory. Their shared passion for sound and storytelling takes them on a journey to document the voices, songs, and oral histories of soldiers who served during the Great War.
The film is based on the acclaimed short story of the same name by Ben Shattuck, which won the 2019 Pushcart Prize and was a finalist for the 2020 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers. Its cinematic adaptation will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and is already generating early awards buzz.
A Queer Love Story Rooted in Connection
In the story, the two leads first meet in a piano bar, where Lionel (Mescal) is captivated by David (O’Connor) performing a folk song from his childhood. From that moment, a deeply emotional—and at times tragic—relationship begins to unfold.
Director Oliver Hermanus, who is openly gay, emphasized that this project is deeply personal.
“I’m a gay man. I would love to go to the movies and watch a movie about a same-sex relationship that maybe makes me cry, but feels fulfilling,” Hermanus told Vanity Fair. “So much of queer cinema—and I’ve made queer cinema like this—is about the struggles. For me, this has always been about wanting it to be accessible to everyone.”
Rather than focus on external pressures or trauma, The History of Sound seeks to portray a queer relationship as deeply human and universally resonant.
“We’re not going to make a movie about the problematizing of their relationship or their sexuality,” Hermanus explained. “It’s about love, loss, companionship—and that’s something everyone can relate to.”
Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Reunite with Emotionally Complex Roles
Both Mescal and O’Connor are no strangers to emotionally rich performances. Mescal earned critical acclaim for his roles in All of Us Strangers and Aftersun, while O’Connor is best known for The Crown, Challengers, and his BAFTA-winning role in God’s Own Country.
In this new film, Mescal described his character’s emotional depth as the story’s core.
“It definitely has romantic gestures in it,” he said. “But it is fundamentally about Lionel’s life. There is a kind of real sense of companionship, and the joy and loss that comes with the presence and absence of that. It’s not just about sex and the intensity of falling in love. It’s deeper than that.”
Their chemistry on screen is expected to be a highlight of the film, which promises to explore the emotional complexities of queer love without sensationalism or stereotype.
A Period Drama for a Modern Queer Audience
What sets The History of Sound apart from many historical queer dramas is its intention to move away from narratives of secrecy and repression. While the story includes moments of sorrow and struggle, the filmmakers have emphasized that its heart is about connection and the human need to preserve memory.
“The idea of sound, of memory, of history—those are powerful things,” Hermanus said. “These characters are trying to hold on to something ephemeral, and in doing so, they fall in love.”
The film also stars Molly Price, Raphael Sbarge, Hadley Robinson, Emma Canning, Briana Middleton, Gary Raymond, Alison Bartlett, and Michael Schantz in supporting roles.
With lush cinematography, a poignant storyline, and two of today’s most celebrated actors in leading roles, The History of Sound is already poised to become a standout in 2025’s film landscape.
Representation That Resonates
The History of Sound arrives at a time when calls for more authentic, joyful, and emotionally complex queer representation in cinema are louder than ever. For many LGBTQ+ viewers, seeing a story like this—free from shame or apology—is more than entertainment; it’s affirmation.
From its world premiere at Cannes to its inevitable critical and cultural impact, The History of Sound promises to be a landmark in queer cinema—honoring love, memory, and the music that ties us all together.
