Oliver Harmanus’s The History of Sound is visually, audibly, and emotionally exquisite.
Based on a short story by Ben Shattuck, The History of Sound takes viewers to the 1917 Boston Conservatory, where Kentucky farm boy Lionel Worthing (Paul Mescal) has earned a scholarship due to his preternatural understanding of music. There, he meets David White (Josh O’Connor), a fellow student who is instantly drawn to Lionel’s knowledge of folk songs.
Soon, the friendship blossoms into a romance, but the relationship is cut short when David is drafted to fight in World War I. After he returns, David invites Lionel to go with him on a backpacking trip across New England, recording folk songs on wax cylinders. Although the journey only takes a few months out of their lives, it ends up being a capstone memory for both of them.
Unfortunately, David develops post-traumatic stress disorder – called “shell shock” at the time – causing him to withdraw, not just from music and Lionel, but from life itself. For the rest of the story, Lionel is yearning after David, and eventually, he goes to track him down.
At one point in the film, Lionel leaves his job singing in one of the most prestigious choirs in Rome to go back to America to seek out the folk songs that have comforted him his entire life.
Similarly, Hermanus isn’t interested in showing his viewers an epic romance with magnificent heroes and extended love scenes. The History of Sound focuses on how simple melodies and familiar lyrics can be the most powerful type of music in the world, and how a brief and quiet love affair between two young men can be the most powerful kind of story.
Lyrical, melodious, and lush, the film features stunning scenery and nature shots as David and Lionel travel. Instead of celebrating the grandeur of nature, the film focuses on the two men and their relationship to the world and its people. Just as folk songs connect people through place and time, The History of Sound wants viewers to connect with the small beauties that exist everywhere. Little moments like when David smiles as he collects loose feathers from Lionel’s torn pillow as he walks behind him become heavenly.
Both Mescal (All of Us Strangers) and O’Connor (God’s Own Country, Challengers) have played gay characters before, and their comfort level in living that reality is apparent. Mescal’s stoicism as Lional contrasts wonderfully with the mischievous and jaded David. Audiences will wish they had more screen time together – echoing Lionel’s feelings – but the brevity of their togetherness makes the film’s emotions hit a lot harder.
At two and a half hours long, the film might lose some viewers during its many slow and contemplative parts. Some might not find the story worth the wait. Still, for those that do, The History of Sound is a rewarding, yet tragic, film that will make your heart sing.
Three and a half out of five stars.
The History of Sound is now playing in theaters. Watch the trailer below.
– YouTube
This article originally appeared on Out: ‘The History of Sound’ review: Paul Mescal, Josh O’Connor will make your heart sing
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