Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: THE HISTORY OF SOUND [Cannes Film Festival 2025 - Cannes, France]

The incursion and its path is an interesting bed folly. In "The History Of Sound" [Competition], the concept is not of the sound but of the story that the sound creates. Its players are not necessarily the most of importance but it is a thought of wandering and finding not quite what you want but almost losing it forever. Many people have their own perspectives here but it is how they come specifically to bear. This story follows the story of Lionel Worthing, a musical prodigy but simply one that wants to live but yet is pulled in his own direction. He is not overcome by aspects of ego but just where he fits. Paul Mescal disappears here and it is brings to mind his role in "Aftersun" many years ago here at Cannes. This one has more heart albeit in a different way.

Worthing is a tragic character. He has different avenues to find happiness but it keeps pulling him in all the wrong directions despite his best efforts., His singer travels the world but it never feels indulgent. The music is such an integrating part of the journey especially a summer where he and his companion of sorts: David [Josh O'Connor] go on a song collecting mission in 1917 in Maine. There is something timeless about the movie and in many ways accessible that a film with this subject matter might not be able to do usually. Lionel is always searching and yet his life has so many bright spots. He is absolute and yet he is empathetic.

Both of the women who run across these men are eminently powerful in their respective spots but also bear a brunt of the suffering. Emma Canning who recently played Tula Harkonnen on "Dune: Prophecy" plays one. Their poignancy is heart breaking, perhaps more than the boys. The film is in many ways a search for the idea of perfect sound but it has more to do with pitch and tone. The music alone and the way it is used is utter effective and necessary in what it shows. "The History Of Sound" does not feel, as many films this year, about people wandering aimlessly. There is a point here and a lesson though the lead character himself chose not to see it but others do. A-

By Tim Wassberg