‘The History of Sound’ Finally Has a Release Date
One of the most anticipated LGBTQ+ films of the year finally has a release date, and while we still have a few months of waiting ahead, we can already start texting the group chat and planning our trip to the cinema. The History of Sound, the tender gay romance starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, is officially set to hit U.S. theaters on September 12, with MUBI handling the North American release.
Based on Ben Shattuck’s short story of the same name, The History of Sound follows Lionel (Mescal) and David (O’Connor), two young music students at the Boston Conservatory in 1917. After bonding over their shared love of folk music, they reconnect years later to embark on a journey across the backwoods of Maine, collecting songs and, along the way, discovering something deeper between them. It’s the kind of quiet, aching period romance we rarely get, especially one centered on queer love.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received mixed reviews but still made an impression. Several critics compared it to Brokeback Mountain, which makes sense given its historical setting, themes of longing, and emotional restraint. But from what we’ve seen so far, The History of Sound looks poised to tell its own unique story—rooted in music, memory, and intimate connection.
Director Oliver Hermanus spoke to Variety in Cannes about the emotional texture of the film, describing it as “a profound concept of nostalgia, using the metaphor of sound for how we retain feelings.” He also shared a beautiful anecdote from one of the film’s intimate scenes: “Josh’s character has this amazing thing where he keeps collecting all the feathers that are falling out of Paul’s pillow and stuffing them back in. That’s romance.” We don’t know about you, but that line alone already has us swooning.
Importantly, Hermanus noted that the film’s sex scenes aren’t used as turning points or dramatic pivots. Instead, they’re treated with sensitivity and realism, another reason we’re excited for this kind of queer storytelling on the big screen.
While international release dates haven’t been announced yet, we do know Focus Features and Universal Pictures are in charge of global distribution, so fingers crossed they won’t keep us waiting too long.
In the meantime, we’ll be counting down the days until September 12. With two powerhouse leads, a hauntingly poetic premise, and a director known for his careful, emotionally resonant work (Moffie, anyone?), The History of Sound is shaping up to be one of the fall’s most affecting queer releases. See you at the movies.
The History of Sound will premiere in the US on September 12. Follow us on X and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Image Courtesy of MUBI
