In the world of cinema, sound often works its magic unnoticed, but in Daniel Roher's debut narrative feature Tuner, it takes center stage as a literal superpower. The Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker—known for Navalny and The AI Doc—switches gears with this inventive crime thriller that mixes music, romance, and heist tension.
What Is 'Tuner' About?
Leo Woodall (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy) plays Niki, a once-promising musician forced to abandon his career due to hyperacusis, a condition that makes loud noises unbearable. He wears noise-canceling headphones to cope, but this also grants him an extraordinary ability to hear subtle sounds others miss. Niki becomes an apprentice to Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman), a veteran New York City piano tuner and a friend of Niki's late father. Harry treats Niki like a nephew, offering him a new path.
Niki's life takes a turn when he meets Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), a driven student pianist and one of Harry's clients. Despite his initial resentment of her success, they form a romantic bond, and Niki begins to hope for a brighter future. But when Harry suffers a heart attack and lands in the hospital, Niki's financial desperation leads him to a chance encounter with a gang of thieves led by Uri (Lior Raz). They discover that Niki's hyperacusis makes him exceptionally skilled at cracking safes. Reluctantly, he joins their crew, but soon finds himself trapped in a dangerous world where the stakes keep rising—and Ruthie's safety hangs in the balance.
A Familiar but Cleverly Composed Thriller
Seasoned moviegoers will recognize the template: a talented, unfortunate protagonist gets pulled into crime for noble reasons. Montages of Niki falling in love and learning the ropes of safe-cracking feel familiar, as does the looming sense that this respite won't last. But Tuner digs deeper, exploring themes of family, love, and the grief of lost creativity. Harry's illness mirrors Niki's struggle with a passion that has left him behind—a loss of purpose many can relate to. Roher balances genres elegantly, weaving romantic comedy elements into gritty crime scenes, creating stakes that go beyond mere money. It's a film that makes its points quietly but skillfully, much like its protagonist.
The real star, however, might be sound designer Johnnie Burn, who won an Oscar for The Zone of Interest. His work here turns small noises into striking moments, while everyday sounds—a car horn, a flock of birds—become overwhelming, mirroring Niki's condition. New York City, one of the loudest places on Earth, serves as the perfect backdrop, amplifying the tension. The sound mix is an equal partner in the film's composition, standing alongside plot and dialogue rather than just supporting them.
Leo Woodall Shines as a Withdrawn Anti-Hero
Woodall, best known for his charming role in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, transforms into an insular, ordinary man with an extraordinary gift. His laid-back performance creates believable chemistry with Liu, while also making him a convincing safe-cracker. Some supporting roles fall short—Raz is a straightforward villain, and Jean Reno's cameo as a renowned composer feels underused—but Woodall proves he can lead a film of this caliber, hinting at even more exciting roles ahead.
Dustin Hoffman elevates every scene he's in, bringing warmth and humor as Harry. His sporadic film output in recent years makes his presence here a treat. He delivers some of the biggest laughs, like when a client asks if he can fix her toilet ("Five hundred, we'll talk!" he snaps), and his personality balances Woodall's quieter energy. Though he's not on screen as much as you'd like, he adds gravitas to a movie otherwise filled with serious characters.
Ultimately, Tuner is an enjoyable caper that combines familiar elements in a fresh order. Impeccable production and subtle commentary will delight cinephiles, while the unique setup keeps you engaged until the final note. For fans of inventive thrillers, this is one to watch—especially if you appreciate how sound can shape a story. Check out our list of Top 10 Psychological Thrillers of the Last 20 Years for more gripping picks.
