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The History of Sound (15)

Paul Mescal relaxes against a wall, smiling up at Josh O'Connor

Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor are star-crossed lovers in Oliver Hermanus' mournful, folk-infused chronicle of a relationship echoing across a lifetime. 

Lionel (Paul Mescal) is a gifted singer from rural Kentucky, raised on the songs his father sang on their front porch. In 1917, he leaves the family farm to attend the Boston Music Conservatory, where he meets David (Josh O’Connor), a charming composition student who is soon drafted into the final stages of WWI.

By 1920, the two reunite, spending a winter walking through the forests and islands of Maine, collecting and preserving folk songs for future generations.

With palpable chemistry between Mescal and O'Connor as they embark on a life-changing journey, Hermanus is able to craft a melancholic love story which sweeps you off your feet. 

As would be expected for a film about folk music, The History of Sound has a stunningly ethereal score, which takes you through the core and history of the earth-bound genre.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) provides guidance to audiences, to help them choose what’s right for them and avoid what’s not. For guidance, please click here and type the film title into the search bar. 

Cinemas

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.