Why ‘The History of Sound’ is the queer movie of the year

Get ready to swoon, pop-culture vultures, because The History of Sound is already stealing hearts and headlines as the must-see queer romance of 2025. Directed by Oliver Hermanus, this historical drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor premiered at Cannes with a six-minute standing ovation, promising an emotional journey through love and loss in 1917 America. With its tender trailer dropping just days ago, The History of Sound is poised to be an awards-season darling.

A lyrical love story

Dive into The History of Sound, and you’re met with a poignant tale of two young men, Lionel and David, bonding over folk music in early 20th-century America. Their shared passion for preserving songs becomes a quiet, aching backdrop to an impossible romance that’s already drawing Brokeback Mountain comparisons.

Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor deliver performances that hum with raw, unspoken longing, as seen in the trailer for The History of Sound. Critics at Cannes praised the film’s lyrical direction and evocative score, with some calling it staggeringly beautiful, though others felt the emotion occasionally fell flat.

While sentiment on social media platforms like X shows a split—some fans are ready to be emotionally wrecked, others question the depth of the romance—there’s no denying The History of Sound has sparked intense buzz. Set for a September 12 release, it’s the queer cinema moment we’ve been craving.

Performances that resonate

Zooming in on The History of Sound, Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor are the beating heart of this film. Mescal, playing a quiet Kentuckian, brings a stoic intensity that’s already got Oscar buzz, while O’Connor’s charm as a musical dreamer perfectly complements the dynamic.

Their chemistry in The History of Sound is palpable, even in fleeting trailer moments, carrying the weight of a love constrained by time and society. Posts on X highlight fans swooning over their tender glances, with many dubbing them the duo to watch in 2025’s awards race.

Beyond the romance, The History of Sound weaves a deeper narrative about preserving voices of the past, mirroring the characters’ own silenced desires. Critics note the film’s meticulous sound design, which elevates every whispered confession and plucked banjo string into pure, heartbreaking poetry.

A historical heartbreaker

Dive deeper into The History of Sound, and you’ll find a narrative steeped in the quiet tragedy of early 20th-century constraints. This isn’t just a romance; it’s a meditation on what’s lost to time—love, voices, and songs—crafted with a delicate, almost elegiac touch by director Oliver Hermanus.

The film’s backdrop in The History of Sound—rural Appalachia during World War I—amplifies the stakes of Lionel and David’s bond. As they record folk tunes, their own story unfolds in stolen moments, reflecting a society that stifles their truth, much like the forgotten melodies they seek to save.

Critics and fans alike are torn over The History of Sound, with Rotten Tomatoes showing a 68% approval rating. While some hail its subtle beauty, others on platforms like X feel the romance lacks depth. Still, its historical context and emotional resonance keep the conversation buzzing ahead of release.

Soundtracking queer history

Diving into The History of Sound, the film’s innovative use of music isn’t just a plot device—it’s the soul of the story. Lionel and David’s mission to record American folk tunes during World War I mirrors their unspoken yearning, weaving a sonic tapestry of love and loss.

The score of The History of Sound, paired with authentic period songs, has critics raving about its emotional depth, as noted in Cannes reviews. It’s not just background noise; it’s a character itself, amplifying every tender glance and heartbreaking silence between Mescal and O’Connor with haunting resonance.

This auditory focus in The History of Sound sets it apart in queer cinema, blending historical authenticity with raw emotion. As posts on X suggest, fans are already obsessed with how the music echoes the duo’s hidden passion, cementing the film as a poignant anthem for unspoken histories.

The final note

In the end, The History of Sound strikes a chord as 2025’s queer cinema pinnacle. With Mescal and O’Connor’s soulful chemistry, a haunting score, and a story that echoes through time, it’s a film that demands to be felt. Mark September 12 on your calendar, darlings—it’s unmissable.