In ‘Tuner,’ a goodhearted worker blessed with expert hearing is lured by safecracking

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If you’re like me and often feel that modern movies just don’t capture the magic of older films, you need to see “Tuner.” It’s a really well-made crime story with a romantic heart, and it reminded me a bit of classics like “Thief” and “Good Will Hunting.” But what really grabbed me was Leo Woodall – he’s fantastic and carries the whole film. It’s especially exciting because it’s the first narrative feature from Daniel Roher, the director of the Oscar-winning documentary “Navalny.” He totally proves he’s just as skilled with fiction, and honestly, it’s one of the most refreshing movies I’ve seen all year.

Director Roher, along with Robert Ramsay, wrote a traditionally structured story about a gifted piano tuner who unexpectedly gets involved in criminal activity. Roher, editor Greg O’Bryant, and composer Will Bates then enhanced this story with a lively, jazz-influenced score and editing style, mirroring the musical world of the film’s characters.

Woodall, known for his roles in “Nuremberg” and “The White Lotus,” plays Niki, a talented young piano tuner. He works alongside Harry (Dustin Hoffman), an older mentor who acts as a father figure and is skilled at networking. Niki has the technical expertise and a perfect ear, making them an entertaining pair as they service pianos in the homes of New York’s wealthiest residents – and often get asked to do odd jobs as well. Their relationship is full of witty back-and-forth, but it’s evident Niki wants something more out of life.

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The film subtly reveals that Niki has hyperacusis, a condition causing extreme sensitivity to sound. We learn this through what we see – Niki consistently wears earplugs and noise-canceling headphones – and how he reacts to sounds around him. He doesn’t explicitly mention his condition until about halfway through the movie, but it’s clear that his hearing significantly shapes his experiences.

The film gives us a glimpse into the main character’s mind through the incredible sound design by Johnnie Burn (known for “The Zone of Interest”). Burn crafts the soundscape to reflect how the character, Niki, processes the world around him, making for a very personal and immersive experience. Niki’s condition is both a strength and a weakness, demonstrated when he unexpectedly discovers he can crack safes by ‘hearing’ the internal mechanisms with his unusual ability.

When Niki opens the first safe to get Harry’s hearing aids back, he looks worried, sensing trouble ahead – and he’s right. He accidentally falls into his first job when he discovers a group of Israeli burglars pretending to be a security firm, headed by the charming Uri (Lior Raz). Niki only wants them to be quiet while they drill, so he quickly picks the lock and goes back to his work.

Uri has a knack for spotting potential, and Niki will quickly find himself needing money when Harry ends up in the hospital. This leads Niki to join a group of safe-crackers, targeting valuables from the wealthy, all while he’s falling for Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), a gifted composer and pianist he meets while working at her music school.

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This story takes place in a tightly connected world where chance encounters are common, but unexpected events and surprising reveals keep things interesting as the plot unfolds. The director carefully crafts this world with rich details, from the jazz scene Harry used to be a part of (featuring a cameo by Herbie Hancock) to the dedicated students at the music conservatory (whose music is composed by Marius de Vries), and even the vibrant underground rave parties organized by an Israeli group.

O’Bryant’s editing keeps the film energetic and fun, adding humor while also showing the difficult circumstances that drive Niki’s choices. Woodall delivers a breakout performance as a quiet, troubled character who expresses himself more through his tattoos than through words. He projects a tough exterior, but it’s clear he has a good heart and strong moral compass.

Niki is a remarkably talented musician, but a hearing impairment has held back his dreams. The actor Woodall brilliantly portrays Niki’s pent-up frustration. In a powerful scene, Niki finally plays the piano, releasing years of emotion and showcasing his incredible, unspoken skill.

“Tuner” feels like a classic film from the 1970s with its characters, story, and atmosphere. While it has a nostalgic vibe, it’s timeless and works well today, which adds to its charm. It’s refreshing to see such unique and mature filmmaking, and director Roher executes it perfectly. Hopefully, he’ll continue to create similarly captivating stories.

Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2026-05-29 20:31