The History of Sound was one of the most eagerly anticipated films out of Cannes in May this year for its depiction of an historic gay love story between characters played by Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

But it has stuttered and started since, after receiving a mixed reception upon its debut and a delayed release strategy which saw it released in the US last month but not until next year for the UK, following its gala premiere at the BFI London Film Festival this weekend.

Director Oliver Hermanus delivers the romance in a poignant, beautifully-shot package – but it’s smaller and slower than expected, even if it contains Mescal’s finest onscreen work to date, alongside his equally exquisite performance in Hamnet.

Mescal plays Kentucky farm boy Lionel, blessed with a gifted voice – and

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