The Sound of Memories is a dramatic and historical feature film directed by Oliver Hermanus, who also wrote the screenplay. Based on the collection of short stories The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck, the film stars Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, alongside Chris Cooper. Selected for official competition at the upcoming 2025 Cannes Film Festival, it is in the running for the coveted Palme d'Or. The film is scheduled for French theaters on February 25, 2026.
Lionel, a young singer from Kentucky, grew up immersed in the folk songs his father passed down. In 1917, he leaves his family farm to attend the Boston Conservatory, where he meets David, an ambitious composer with a sharp mind. Their friendship, rooted in shared musical tastes and a deep sensitivity, is quickly tested by the turbulent historical backdrop surrounding them.
David’s sudden mobilization at the end of World War I abruptly breaks their bond. In 1920, for one winter, the two men reunite and explore the forests and islands of Maine together, recording American folk songs that are at risk of fading away. This journey of sound and memory leaves a lasting mark on Lionel.
Over the decades, Lionel has built a respected career, traveling across Europe and accumulating a wealth of experiences and connections. Yet, the memory of David lingers, brought back to the surface when an artifact of their shared work reappears. The film delves into the enduring power of emotion and how a defining relationship can echo throughout a lifetime.
The Sound of Memories marks Oliver Hermanus’s sixth feature film, the South African director who first gained international recognition with Beauty. That debut earned him the Queer Palm at Cannes in 2011, within the Un Certain Regard section. A seasoned presence at major international festivals, including Venice’s Mostra, Hermanus here delivers a period piece focused on memory, music, and the bonds that tie us together.
Premiered in the official competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, the film continues a tradition of historical romantic dramas that focus on personal stories. The pairing of Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, both prominent stars of contemporary cinema and television, stands out as a key highlight of the project.
With its leisurely pacing, elegant direction, and focus on immersive soundscapes, the film appeals to viewers who appreciate historical romances and stories centered around cultural heritage. It can be likened to a contemplative cinema, where music serves as a powerful vehicle for memory and identity.
The Sound of Memories
Film | 2026
Release date in theaters: February 25, 2026
Drama, Historical, Romance | Runtime: 2h09
Directed by Oliver Hermanus | Starring Josh O’Connor, Paul Mescal, Chris Cooper
Original title: The History of Sound
Countries: United States, United Kingdom
With The Sound of Memories, Oliver Hermanus offers a contemplative look at the impact of voices and human relationships, weaving a story of male love into the sweeping history of the 20th century and the collective memory of American popular music.
To extend your in-theater experience, check out the February movie releases, explore the must-see films of the moment, and browse our top historical films of the year.
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