Movie Review — Tuner, A Decent, Sound-Powered Drama That Hits a Few Flat Notes

Directed by Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Daniel Roher, Tuner presents a truly fascinating premise. Nicky (played by Leo Woodall), a piano tuner blessed with absolute pitch, unexpectedly discovers that his ultra-sensitive hearing can be used to crack complex safe combinations. Having watched the entire film, I’d say it lacks the high-stakes adrenaline of a typical commercial blockbuster, turning out instead to be a decent, cozy drama (spoiler alert: that’s my final verdict, haha!).

The narrative of Tuner is straightforward and highly accessible. The director wisely avoids overcomplicating things with mind-bending criminal schemes or convoluted double-cross plot twists. You won’t have to worry about getting lost in the plot; instead, you simply follow Nicky’s auditory perspective as he steps out of his mundane life and into a dangerous, high-stakes underground world.

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However, the film struggles slightly when it comes to pacing. While there is undeniable on-screen chemistry between Nicky and the talented piano student Lucy, their romantic subplot significantly drags the movie’s momentum. Although these scenes flesh out the characters’ inner worlds and motivations, they frequently interrupt the mounting tension of the crime plot right when things are getting exciting. It feels like a bit of a missed opportunity to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

That being said, I absolutely loved the technical execution of Tuner. The snappy editing and the soundtrack are hands-down the brightest highlights of the entire film. This is especially true during the safe-cracking scenes, where the rapid visual cuts sync perfectly with the mechanical clicks inside the locks. Combined with impeccable sound design and a slick, jazz-infused score, the film becomes incredibly immersive. In Tuner, sound is not just a tool for the protagonist’s survival; it is the primary engine driving the audience’s emotions.

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While Tuner might not leave you with a mind-blowing, lingering aftereffect, the heartwarming and often humorous father-son chemistry between Dustin Hoffman and Leo Woodall, paired with a fantastic auditory feast, gives this film plenty of charm. It’s a perfectly enjoyable option for a relaxed weekend watch.

Further Watching

If you want to see more of the lead actor, Leo Woodall has been making waves across both the silver and small screens in a variety of genres recently.

Be sure to check out👉Netflix’s One Day (The Series), Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy