Sound of Metal
The brief
Riz Ahmed delivers a raw, physically committed performance as a metal drummer whose world crumbles when he starts losing his hearing, and the sound design puts you directly inside his disorienting experience. Director Darius Marder creates an unusually quiet, contemplative drama that sits with silence and stillness in ways most films are too scared to attempt. The film becomes less about disability and more about acceptance and letting go of who you used to be, building to moments that will absolutely wreck you. Perfect for anyone who loved The Wrestler or A Star Is Born but wants something more introspective and less melodramatic.
The verdict
If you're drawn to quiet, introspective character studies that prioritize emotional depth over plot momentum, this is an extraordinary film anchored by Riz Ahmed's transformative performance and groundbreaking sound design. If you need faster pacing or prefer more conventional storytelling, the deliberate stillness and contemplative approach may test your patience.
Watch with
- 👤 Solo viewing for full emotional impact
- 👫 Couples exploring life changes together
- ⚠️ Avoid if sensitive to hearing loss themes
Heads up
- Drug addiction and recovery themes (moderate)
- Intense hearing loss simulation sequences (moderate)
- Brief self-destructive behavior (brief)
- Emotional breakdown scenes (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Darius Marder
- Cast
- Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci, Lauren Ridloff, Mathieu Amalric, Domenico Toledo, Chelsea Lee
Official synopsis
Metal drummer Ruben begins to lose his hearing. When a doctor tells him his condition will worsen, he thinks
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Both explore damaged men finding quiet redemption through unexpected connection.
Total runtime: 2h 1m + 1h 29m = 3h 30m
