Opened: November 20, 2020

Directed by: Darius Marder

Starring: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci, Lauren Ridloff, Mathieu Amalric & Chelsea Lee

Slow-paced without adding any unnecessary drama, Sound of Metal is a perfect film in terms of storytelling and development of its main character.

Heavy metal drummer Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed) begins to lose his hearing while on tour with his girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke). He goes to stay with a community of deaf people to learn how to function without his hearing.

Ahmed gives an incredible performance that never pushes Ruben’s emotions too far. It’s in his delicateness that the strength of the character comes through. Casting Paul Raci – who’s fluent in American Sign Language – and deaf actress Lauren Ridloff adds to the legitimacy of the community.

The sound mixing helps tell the story, especially when Ruben begins to lose his hearing and the audience is able to hear only what he can.

Final say: In silence there is beauty. ★★★★★