The History of Sound review: Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor soar in dull drama
Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor are two of the most in-demand actors of their generation so the prospect of seeing them together in Oliver Hermanus‘s The History of Sound was very exciting.
Set in 1917, this romance drama tells the story of Lionel Worthing (Mescal) and David White (O’Connor), who bond over folk music while studying at the New England Conservatory and begin a secret romance. A few years later, when David returns from the war, he invites Lionel on a trip across Maine to collect folk songs on wax cylinders and their connection deepens.
Considering it’s called The History of Sound, the film is a surprisingly quiet and sedate piece of work. The pacing is slow and drawn out, particularly in the overlong middle, and I struggled to concentrate. However, it is slowly but surely working towards an effective emotional moment that immediately captured my attention again. Although the middle is meandering, the first 30 minutes and last 30 minutes are strong and really save it from being a complete bore.
As always, Mescal and O’Connor do not disappoint. Their American accents are on point and they work so beautifully together, really solidifying the deep, more-than-friends connection. We don’t see much of the physical stuff but the chemistry is there. I thought this was going to be a two-hander, but it’s very much Mescal’s film. O’Connor is barely in it, which is a shame, as the scenes they’re in together are much more interesting.
The History of Sound boasts two powerful performances that seem primed for awards recognition. Unfortunately for Mescal and O’Connor, they are contained within a film that really tests your patience and concentration.
In cinemas from Friday 23rd January