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The History of Sound Opens to Praise for Music, Questions About Its Romance

Early reviews single out the folk music as the film’s standout strength.

Overview

  • Oliver Hermanus directs the 127-minute period drama, adapted by Ben Shattuck from his short story and led by Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.
  • The film begins its theatrical release on 23 January in the UK as critics file assessments tied to opening-day screenings.
  • Critics broadly commend the field recordings, song sequences and sound design, with some noting Oscar Coates’ score is most effective in voice-only passages.
  • Reviews frequently describe the central relationship as emotionally restrained or anticlimactic, while Josh O’Connor’s performance draws strong notices and Paul Mescal’s turn is read as more inward.
  • Alexander Dynan’s cinematography and period aesthetics earn consistent praise for muted, painterly visuals.