I love it when I discover a movie I didn’t see coming, and it’s better than I expected. As summer movie season is just heating up, let me, um, tune you to a film by Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Daniel Roher in his terrific narrative feature debut, TUNER.
The story revolves around a skilled piano tuner named Niki White (Leo Woodall) who suffers from hyperacusis, a rare hearing condition that makes normal sounds feel painfully loud and uncomfortable. Roher skillfully immerses viewers in a realm where even an ordinary sound can become quite painful to listen to. He’s been learning the ropes from his late father’s best friend, Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman), who runs the piano-tuning business, but these days, it’s mostly Niki doing the heavy lifting. I really enjoy the chemistry between Niki and Harry; it gives off an odd couple vibe, even though they don’t actually live together.
I appreciate how efficiently Roher directs the film. The opening credits do a great job of setting the scene, showcasing the daily grind of the Piano Tune & Repair business. They move from one wealthy client to another in New York City, giving us a peek into the lavish lifestyles of the 1%. Some clients hardly even play their grand pianos, yet they still want them tuned because a celebrity is set to perform at a fundraiser in their home (one client even drops the name of the piano legend, Billy Joel).
We quickly find out that Niki is not just a skilled piano tuner; he was once a talented pianist but can no longer play due to his disorder. He has to wear noise-cancelling headphones all the time, even at home. Later, we learn he has perfect pitch when he meets a passionate pianist named Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu) at a music conservatory. There’s a clear chemistry between them, even though they don’t get off on the right foot, and their interactions are a joy to watch.
Niki’s life takes a surprising turn when he encounters a group of Israelis led by Uri (Lior Raz), who use their security business to rob their rich clients. They rope Niki into their criminal activity once they discover that he’s got an uncanny ability to crack safes.
At first, I thought Tuner was adapted from a book, but it turns out Roher was inspired by a real-life piano tuner who is a friend of his wife. He co-wrote the script with Robert Ramsey, and I must say he has a real talent for storytelling, just like he does with documentaries. Tuner is a one-of-a-kind heist thriller blended with musical drama that rarely hits a flat note. I think this is Woodall’s finest performance since his breakout in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. He’s memorable even in bit parts in Nuremberg, but he gets a chance to shine in a leading role here.
The 29-year-old English actor is quite versatile and definitely has that star quality. Niki is instantly relatable and intriguing; there’s a certain melancholy in his blue eyes that makes you empathize with him right away. His heartfelt monologue where he tells Ruthie how his disorder holds him back from pursuing his musical aspirations is quite memorable.
It’s been a long time since I last saw Hoffman in anything, and it’s pretty funny to see him play an eccentric yet sweet octogenarian. At times Harry reminds me of his character in Rain Man, and there’s even a brief nod to that Oscar-winning film in the dialogue. This is the second time I’ve seen Liu; I first caught her in another music-themed movie, Power Ballad (my review coming later this week). Glad she has a much larger role here because she’s really talented. I’d love to see more of her in the future. French actor Jean Reno has a bit part as a famous composer, Maissner, whom Ruthie admires. The supporting cast is quite racially diverse, and one of the big heists in the third act features a group of Korean gangsters.
The heist thriller and dramatic elements blend together well, so the tone doesn’t feel off. I’d say it leans more towards the drama, so heist movie fans might expect more action, but I like that the story is more character-driven. Without spoiling anything, Niki’s role in the heists also highlights his kindness towards Harry and his wife Marla (Tovah Feldshuh). It’s worth noting that Roher comes from a Jewish family with deep roots and a strong connection to his heritage, which is why there are important Jewish elements, like the Holocaust, that play a key role in the story.
I’m really impressed with Tuner. I’d say it’s the surprise highlight of the early summer season. It’s rare to see a crime drama that’s character-driven with a deep emotional core. Roher already scored an Oscar for his documentary, Navalny, but clearly he has a knack for narrative storytelling as well.
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I’ve heard about this film from Mark Kermode a few weeks ago. Looks very interesting not just for the premise but also for the character and what he does through the illness he has.
I love heist movie. Can’t wait
Is this you Elly? I like heist movies too but most of them aren’t character-driven like this one, that makes it quite unique.
yes! Now I’m more excited
I hope it goes to streaming soon! Are you familiar w/ the lead actor? He’s really good!
Interesting reviews as always Ruth. I have never heard about the film “Tuner” before but your positive review has given me a strong reason to check it out. The concept of the film focused on musicians with disorders brings to mind great movies that I have seen and loved. For instance, it reminded me of the movie “Sound of Metal”. Released in 2020, Darius Marder’s film offered a strong portrait of musicians with hearing problems. One of my favourite movies about musicians of all-time. Riz Ahmed at his best in his most emotional role. “Turner” appears to fall into the same category of movies about musicians with disorders. So, for these reasons, I will definitely keep it on my list of movies to see this upcoming year.
Here are my thoughts on “Sound of Metal”:
Hey there Hasan! I didn’t think of Sound of Metal while watching this but yeah, there are definitely similarities in terms of the character having a hearing disorder. I love that film too and Riz Ahmed is always fantastic.
I think this one is unique as it’s also a heist movie, but more character-driven + poignant dramatic elements. Leo Woodall is quickly becoming one of my fave young actors now. Check it out!
I’ve never heard of this one before but it sounds interesting. I’ll keep an eye out for it when it hits streaming.
I first saw Leo Woodall in the second season of White Lotus and recently I watched One Day with him as one of the leads and so far, I think he’s a good actor with ranges. Let’s see if he can breakthrough and become a major star in Hollywood.
Hey Ted! Oh I remember you saw One Day and that you liked Leo Woodall. I didn’t know he’s in White Lotus too, wow he’s been around! Glad that he’s getting more roles as he’s a good actor. I feel like for a while all I see is Paul Mescal in everything; it’s time another Brit gets the same opportunities!
Can’t wait to see this… my dad was a piano tuner/technician all his life. He played, tuned, repaired and built every kind of piano there was. What a treat for me, I mean I’ve never heard of a film about piano tuners ever before. Where did you see this, Ruth? Hope it comes to streaming soon!
Hey Becky! Oh wow, did you ever tell me that about your dad? If you had, then I must’ve forgotten. That is so cool that he was a piano tuner and also played the instrument, too! I think you’d enjoy this one and it is rare to see a film about a piano tuner, especially one that mixes drama + heist elements! I saw this on a screener, but it’s currently playing on limited theaters. I just checked and it’s playing near you https://static1.showtimes.com/movie-times/tuner-189633/st-petersburg-fl/
I probably never mentioned what my dad did, my bad :-). I had to take piano lessons for years, but glad 🙂 I did. Yes, that theater is close! I may just check it out there, thanks for sending!
Oh good! Hope you enjoy it, let me know after you watch it!
Ahh, I like this review, Ruth!
This film was shot in Toronto, and I know some who worked on it.
I want to see this, mostly because of Hoffman. The crew loved him to pieces.
Roher, well, I’ll leave that for a private email.
XOXOXO~ 🌹❦🌹 ~XOXOXO
Oh that is so cool that you knew people who worked on this film, Resa! I think you’d love this one. Hoffman is great and endearing in this movie, but Leo Woodall is such a revelation.
Uh oh, I’m curious now about Roher!
Thanks as always for your lovely comment!
♥❦❧XOXOXOXO♥❦❧
We will be in more email touch, now that Japan is over and Emmys are here. I will spill the beans!
Leo Woodhall, eh? I ask on him!
xoxo❦🌹🕊🌹❦xoxo
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