Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Create Subtle Romance in First Trailer for The History of Sound.

      Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Create Tender Romance in First Trailer for The History of Sound

      After his Akira Kurosawa remake, Living, director Oliver Hermanus presented his queer drama The History of Sound, featuring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. With a release date of September 12 announced by MUBI, the first trailer and poster have now been revealed.

      Here’s the synopsis: “In 1917, Lionel, a gifted young music student, encounters David at the Boston Conservatory, where they connect through their shared passion for folk music. Years later, Lionel receives a letter from David that prompts an unplanned journey through the woods of Maine to gather traditional songs. This unanticipated reunion, a blossoming love affair, and the music they gather and preserve will significantly influence the trajectory of Lionel’s life, often beyond his own realization.”

      Luke Hicks noted in his Cannes review, “It’s unusual to hear Appalachian fiddle folk in a French theater, directed by a South African filmmaker, depicting the tender, song-collecting experiences of two American men deeply in love, portrayed by British actors. Thanks to Paul Mescal, it’s also beautifully done. The History of Sound—Oliver Hermanus’ subtle tribute to New England’s rich folk history, adapted by Ben Shattuck from his short story collection of the same title—is a deeply felt drama articulated in whispers and sorrow, likely to evoke tears from anyone touched by an extraordinary authentic voice or moving romance. Its blend of specific and broad vocal styles and tunes hints at the inception of a lesser-known American sound. Just as Inside Llewyn Davis and O Brother, Where Art Thou? aimed to revitalize music the Coens believed would connect with contemporary audiences, The History of Sound seeks to highlight the significance of (mostly a cappella) folk songs relevant to their time and place. T Bone Burnett would be proud.”

      Watch the trailer below.