Cannes 2025: Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor Star in a gay romance

by Jordan Bako.

Publié le 11 april 2025. Modifié le 14 April 2025.

After the Queer Palm, could Oliver Hermanus win the Palme d’Or?

From South Africa to the world, Oliver Hermanus has enjoyed a steady ascent since his 2009 debut. His six films have each premiered at major festivals—from Durban and Sundance to Venice and Cannes.

This year, the director returns to the Croisette, having won the Queer Palm in 2011 for his sophomore feature Beauty. Now, his sixth film, The History of Sound, is in the official competition at Cannes 2025. Could it be his turn for the Palme d’Or?

The History of Sound: A romantic drama set against the backdrop of war

For The History of Sound, Hermanus adapts the eponymous book by writer Ben Shattuck—a collection of twelve short stories titled after the opening tale (published in French as La forme et la couleur des sons). The narrative follows two men journeying across New England during World War I.

Their paths first cross in 1916, around a pub piano. That summer, Lionel and David, two music students, set out to record the folk songs and oral histories of northern U.S. communities—a cradle of folk music brought over by English settlers. Along the way, they fall in love…

Ben Shattuck crafts a tender narrative that weaves together themes of love, grief, and healing. The writer is credited as co-screenwriter on the film, alongside Olivier Hermanus. “I fell in love with Ben Shattuck’s short story—it’s utterly beautiful,” the director told Variety.

Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor: the two halves of The History of Sound

To bring this delicate tale to the screen, Hermanus called on two of today’s most sought-after stars. Paul Mescal returns to drama after his breakthrough in Normal People and standout roles in Aftersun and All of Us Strangers.

Josh O’Connor, meanwhile, continues his impressive streak—from The Crown and La Chimera by Alice Rohrwacher to Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers (2024). At Cannes, he’ll also present another film: The Mastermind by Kelly Reichardt.

Initially expected at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, The History of Sound was delayed due to the intricacies of its score. According to Josh O’Connor in  Vanity Fair, both actors sing and play piano in the film.

With a top-tier cast, a compelling love story, and a carefully curated soundtrack, Hermanus’s romantic war drama stands as one of the most anticipated films of Cannes 2025. Now, the question remains: will it live up to the hype?

The History of Sound (2025) by Oliver Hermanus, official selection at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.