Imagine a piano tuner with a secret superpower: an impossibly sensitive ear that not only perfects melodies but also unlocks secrets! That's the captivating premise behind "Tuner," the much-anticipated narrative feature debut from Academy Award-winning director Daniel Roher. This film introduces us to Leo Woodall, who embodies the titular tuner, Niki, a young man whose extraordinary auditory abilities land him in a world far removed from the concert hall.
Niki is a prodigy, a gifted piano tuner whose life's ambition was to grace the world with music. However, a peculiar condition has rendered him acutely sensitive to loud noises, making everyday sounds a challenge. Paradoxically, this very sensitivity grants him an unparalleled precision in his craft, allowing him to detect the slightest off-key note. But here's where it gets controversial: this same heightened hearing makes him an invaluable asset to the criminal underworld, who recognize his talent for deciphering the intricate tumblers of safes as readily as he tunes a Steinway.
His once-bright musical future now behind him, Niki navigates the bustling streets of New York, guided by his seasoned mentor, Harry Horowitz, portrayed by the legendary Dustin Hoffman. Along his journey, he encounters Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), a composition student with whom he develops a profound and unexpected connection. And this is the part most people miss: Niki's clandestine work as a safecracker begins to cast a shadow over his burgeoning romance with Ruthie, drawing him deeper into a perilous landscape where trust is scarce and danger lurks around every corner.
The film also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Tovah Feldshuh, Jean Reno, and Lior Raz. "Tuner" first captivated audiences at the Telluride Film Festival last fall, followed by an appearance at TIFF, where it was announced that Black Bear, the film's financier, would also be handling its distribution. Our own Caleb Hammond, after seeing it at Telluride, praised the film for its ability to "relish combining its quirky elements into something emotional and resonant." He described it as a "playful movie in form and content, one that rarely takes itself too seriously," ultimately deeming it a "pleasurable ride." Hammond also noted Roher's skill in balancing lighthearted banter with the serious stakes of Niki's life, creating a compelling tonal tightrope walk between humor and high-stakes drama.
"Tuner" is set to screen at Sundance this week, with a limited theatrical release on Friday, May 22, followed by a wider release on Friday, May 29. You can catch the film's first trailer below.
What do you think? Is Niki a victim of his circumstances, or does his choice to use his gift for crime make him complicit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
