Tuner

Daniel Roher's 'Tuner' presents a unique premise that centres on Niki White (Leo Woodall), a gifted piano tuner with an extreme sensitivity to sound. This condition, which ended his performance career, unexpectedly equips him with the ability to crack safes, drawing him into a dangerous criminal underworld. The film masterfully balances its crime thriller elements with a touching mentor-mentee relationship between Niki and his ailing mentor, Harry (Dustin Hoffman), and a burgeoning romance with Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu).

Leo Woodall delivers a star-making performance, imbuing Niki with a compelling mix of vulnerability, toughness, and charm. Dustin Hoffman provides excellent support as the wise and world-weary Harry, and Havana Rose Liu offers a grounded presence as Ruthie, serving as Niki's anchor to a more normal life. The direction by Roher, who previously won an Oscar for his documentary 'Navalny,' brings a stylish and atmospheric quality to the film, effectively using sound design to immerse the audience in Niki's auditory experience.

While the screenplay occasionally leans into familiar heist tropes, it largely succeeds in weaving together its disparate elements into a cohesive and engaging narrative. The film's exploration of Niki's moral compromises and the consequences of his choices adds a layer of depth that elevates it beyond a simple crime thriller. 'Tuner' is a well-crafted film that hits a lot of the right notes, offering a satisfying blend of suspense, heart, and strong performances.