Set against the sweeping backdrop of World War I, “The History of Sound” follows two young men, Lionel and David, who embark on an ambitious project to capture a fading moment in American life. They travel from town to town, their recording equipment in tow, seeking to preserve the voices, stories, and folk songs of their countrymen before the war changes everything forever. What begins as a scholarly mission quickly deepens into a profound and life-changing connection, as they find not only the soul of a nation but also the essence of each other.

This is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that intertwines a breathtaking love story with a poignant historical narrative. It is a meditation on memory, the power of sound to immortalize a moment, and the quiet, hidden relationships that history often overlooks. As their collection of recordings grows, so does their bond, creating a timeless testament to love and loss that will echo long after the final frame.

The History of Sound full cast guide

1: Paul Mescal as Lionel

Paul Mescal delivers a performance of remarkable depth and sensitivity as Lionel, a thoughtful and introspective music student who conceives the project to record America’s sonic heritage. Mescal masterfully portrays Lionel’s intellectual passion and his deep, often reserved, emotional world. His character is the steady, meticulous force behind the recording equipment, whose careful exterior slowly gives way to reveal a passionate and vulnerable heart utterly captivated by David.

Mescal’s chemistry with Josh O’Connor is the undeniable core of the film, painting a portrait of a love that is both tender and exhilarating. He beautifully captures Lionel’s journey from a man defined by his academic pursuits to one completely transformed by a profound romantic connection, set against the looming uncertainty of a world at war. His performance is a quiet powerhouse, saying everything with a look, a touch, or a moment of shared silence.

2: Josh O’Connor as David

Josh O’Connor is magnetic as David, the more impulsive and charismatic of the pair, who joins Lionel’s mission with a restless energy and a captivating charm. O’Connor embodies a character who lives fully in the moment, using his personable nature to coax stories and songs from the people they meet on their journey. He is the outgoing spirit to Lionel’s quiet soul, and O’Connor makes this dynamic utterly compelling.

O’Connor reveals the profound depth beneath David’s vivacious exterior, showcasing his character’s capacity for deep loyalty, fierce affection, and underlying vulnerability as the war draws closer. His performance is full of life and warmth, making the love story feel not only authentic but also urgently alive. Together, Mescal and O’Connor create a couple whose connection feels truly historic and eternally human.

3: Chris Cooper as Older Lionel

The legendary Chris Cooper provides the film’s emotional anchor with his portrayal of the older Lionel, reflecting on his youth from a distance of many years. Cooper carries the weight of a lifetime of memory in his performance, his weathered face and soulful eyes conveying a profound sense of love, loss, and nostalgia. He serves as the guardian of the film’s central legacy—the precious recordings and the even more precious relationship they represent.

Cooper’s scenes are a masterclass in subtlety, as he listens to the crackling recordings from his past, each note and voice transporting him and the audience back in time. He doesn’t merely narrate; he embodies the enduring impact of a great love, showing how it shapes a man across an entire lifetime. His presence elevates the film from a period romance into a timeless meditation on memory itself.

4: Molly Price as Lionel’s Mother

Molly Price brings warmth and complexity to the role of Lionel’s Mother. She portrays a woman of her time, who embodies the home front’s anxieties and quiet strength. Price subtly conveys her character’s unspoken concerns for her son’s future, both his physical safety as war looms and his emotional journey, offering a poignant glimpse into the familial world Lionel leaves behind on his travels.

5: Raphael Sbarge as Lionel Sr.

Raphael Sbarge appears as Lionel Sr., Lionel’s father. Sbarge brings a stern, traditional presence to the role, representing the expectations and conventional path that Lionel’s intellectual and personal life challenges. His performance, though limited, effectively establishes the personal backdrop against which Lionel’s transformative journey takes place.

6: Hadley Robinson as Belle

Hadley Robinson shines as Belle, a bright and supportive friend to Lionel, likely from his conservatory days. Robinson brings a spirited and intelligent energy to the screen, representing the life and connections left behind. Her character offers a touchstone of normalcy and encouragement, and her performance adds a layer of warmth and camaraderie to the film’s early moments.

7: Peter Mark Kendall as Nathan

Peter Mark Kendall appears as Nathan, a fellow student and peer of Lionel and David. Kendall provides a grounded, relatable presence within their academic circle. His character helps to flesh out the world of young idealism and ambition that exists just before the shadow of war changes everything forever.

The Ensemble

The film is enriched by a talented ensemble who bring the America of 1915 to life. Swanmy Sampaio appears as a Jogger in a brief modern-day framing device, Alec Preston as a Singing Conservatory Student, and Emma Canning as Clarissa, another figure from their past. Emily Bergl is also featured in the cast.

Why The History of Sound Is a Must-See

• A Timeless Love Story: A beautifully crafted and profoundly moving romance that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

• Historic Sweep: Captures a unique and pivotal moment in history with stunning authenticity and visual grandeur.

• Powerhouse Performances: Mescal and O’Connor deliver career-best performances, with a stunning supporting turn by Chris Cooper.

• Sensory Experience: A film that truly celebrates the power of sound and music, making it a uniquely immersive cinematic experience.

Their Love Composed a Nation’s Song. The History of Sound premieres in theaters September 12, 2025.