The History of Sound
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Synopsis
Two young men during World War I set out to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen.
Moviegoers are saying
This melancholic gay romance has struck a nerve with audiences who find it both emotionally devastating and frustratingly familiar, with viewers particularly drawn to its authentic portrayal of lifelong regret and the crushing weight of unresolved relationships. Critics are split between appreciating its muted emotional honesty and lamenting what they see as formulaic casting and storytelling in the LGBTQ+ romance space.
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Summary generated from the text of Atom User reviews
Letterboxd User Reviews
3.4
112.9K
37.1K
29.1K
- Sep 10, 2025
this is a sign to stop summoning the same six white dudes to do these sad gay romance movies once a year like it’s jury duty
-ˏˋ mak ˊˎ-May 21, 2025Folk-back mountain
JackMay 21, 2025decent as a (very) muted romance, much louder and more effective as an argument for physical archival media.
davidehrlich - Sep 18, 2025
Not perfect, but just depressing enough to ruin my week
noenSep 18, 2025the intimacy of picking up fallen feathers :(
kristenSep 15, 2025I relate to him because I also lay on the floor when I'm miserable
brokebacker4ever - Sep 15, 2025
80 years old and not being able to get over that evil twink situationship from college is easily a top 10 worst life imaginable.
LeoMay 21, 2025he probably confused Josh O’ Connor for Daisy Edgar Jones
SeanMay 21, 2025utterly sauceless
Karsten
Queue Community Reviews
81%
Community 1,040
Top Reviews
- Jake lovedThe History of Sound
This film is a real work of art. I sit here writing this in my car after watching, with tears still on my cheeks. One of the few times I’ve experienced a film ending and every single person in the theater sitting silently through the credits before the lights come on. This love story is so…
LB likedThe History of Sound“what happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured?” fantastic performances from both actors. the film is beautiful but i believe a more linear structure would made it better. also, there wasn’t enough david screentime for me to care about him as much.
Sabrina Harrison likedThe History of SoundWell doneish? I enjoyed the film but tbh probs wouldn’t watch it again. I just think the story was a bit bleek, it lost track of this really interesting music path it was going down. Also didn’t feel like an accurate time piece. Seen better from both actors. mastermind was better
- Ky lovedThe History of Sound
“What happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured? I want all of it. The history of sound.” I did not expect to be a puddle at the end of this based off of the pacing of the majority of the movie. This was Atonement in a different, beautiful font.
CPops is "meh" onThe History of Sound5.7/10 | Authentic in its time period and world staging roots. Cinematically interesting and fantastic stylization choices. Storyline is a bit meandering but makes sense in context. Felt often boring and sleepy. A bit too long, didn’t impact enough where it should
Mika lovedThe History of Sound:0 just wow Such a beautiful and gentle movie Absolutely painful i am distraught :) Surprisingly hopeful but goddamn devastating at the same time I loved it (Queer rep mlm) Small spoiler: Bury your gays trope 😔
- LAN18 likedThe History of Sound
Beautiful and sad story. Paul mescal soars again in a beautiful small performance. The middle drags in scenes that felt lost. Amazing yet simple cinematography captures a very real and lived in world
Jordan likedThe History of SoundMy favorite of Paul Mescal’s portfolio so far. A well made film with great folk music intertwined. Curious why the soundtrack isn’t available to listen to. The opening scene was also so good!
Matt lovedThe History of SoundHERMOSA! Encuentro que sabe sumergirte muy bien en el ambiente, la música esta muy bien tratada y la forma de contar la historia es muy bonita. Me encanta cada detalle de esta película ❤️🩹
Atom Users Reviews
Reviews
- AAAJ A
Metacritic
Sep 18, 2025
The History of Sound is even more repressed than its characters, and at over two hours, that’s far from entertaining.
Odie Henderson
Boston Globe
Sep 18, 2025
If the film’s execution doesn’t always rise to the level of its elusive ambitions, the fault is not a lack of sincerity.
Liam Lacey
Original-Cin
Sep 10, 2025
The film, which runs over two hours, is building to a profound conclusion, a payoff for all the slow-paced and melancholy moments that preceded it. But it requires definite patience from its audience that it doesn’t necessarily earn just by existing.
Lindsey Bahr
The Associated Press
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The History of Sound (2025) family-friendly?
The movie has been rated as R, meaning that Under 17 requires an adult accompaniment.
How long is The History of Sound (2025)?
The movie is 2hr 8min long.
What's The History of Sound (2025) about?
Two young men during World War I set out to record the lives, voices and music of their American countrymen.
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