Paul Mescal Seduces Cannes With Gay Romance The History of Sound

Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 7:29 pm

Paul Mescal's Gay Romance "The History of Sound" Wows Cannes Film Festival

Paul Mescal, the rising star, has captivated the Cannes Film Festival with his performance in the historical romantic drama, "The History of Sound." The film, directed by Oliver Hermanus, premiered Wednesday night to a warm reception, signaling a potential success for the young actor and the director.

The film, based on Ben Shattuck's short story, follows the story of David (played by Josh O'Connor) and Lionel (played by Mescal), two young men who meet in 1917 at the Boston Music Conservatory. They embark on a journey through rural Maine after World War I, recording American folk songs.

Hermanus, known for his previous works like "Beauty" (which won the Queer Palm at Cannes) and "Moffie," expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort, particularly highlighting Mescal's contribution. While co-star Josh O'Connor was absent due to filming commitments, he is expected to attend the premiere of "The Mastermind" later in the week.

The red carpet for "The History of Sound" also saw the presence of cast members like Raphael Sbarge, Molly Price, and Hadley Robinson, along with celebrities such as Michelle Rodriguez and John C. Reilly. The film's North American distribution will be handled by Mubi, with Universal Pictures International managing international territories. The film's premiere was met with enthusiastic applause, further solidifying its positive reception at the prestigious film festival.

Keywords: Paul Mescal, The History of Sound, Cannes Film Festival, Oliver Hermanus, Josh O'Connor, gay romance, historical drama, film premiere, Mubi, Universal Pictures International, Ben Shattuck, red carpet, movie, film, LGBTQ, Maine, American folk songs

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