SOUND OF METAL
Riz Ahmed delivers an astonishing performance as a rock drummer coping with the sudden deterioration of his hearing in this searing, sensitive drama.
Drummer Ruben (Riz Ahmed) is one half of an aggressively loud noise-rock band Backgammon. The other half is his girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke, LITTLE FISH), with whom he shares a cramped RV and a life devoted primarily to touring and playing music. It’s understandably devastating when, with little warning, Ruben begins to rapidly lose his hearing. Seemingly stripped of the thing that gives his life meaning, Ruben must decide whether to give in to despair or forge a new path forward. A former addict, he winds up at a recovery compound for the hearing impaired, run by Joe (Paul Reci), a Vietnam vet who encourages Ruben to accept his deafness. First-time feature director Darius Marder utilizes innovative sound design to immerse viewers in his protagonist’s shifting world. Known from standout roles in films like NIGHTCRAWLER and an Emmy-winning turn on HBO’s THE NIGHT OF, Ahmed delivers perhaps his most assured work here, lending lived-in credibility and soulfulness to his portrayal of a man desperately seeking meaning as his reality shifts.
CAST: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Mathieu Amalric, Lauren Ridloff
All sales are final. You must be located within the United States to stream this film. We suggest prioritizing your lineup and watching films as close to the premiere time as possible. This title will be available until November 2nd or until streaming capacity is reached.
CLICK HERE to return to the complete 29th Philadelphia Film Festival program.