Review of Sound of Metal (2020) by Tvjerry — 25 Nov 2020

Riz Ahmed is one of the most impressive actors of his generation and this film gives him the showcase role to solidify his standing. He plays a punk-metal drummer on tour with his girlfriend (Olivia Cooke who also turns in a moving performance).

Things go sideways quickly when he suddenly loses his hearing. The character Ahmed creates is not only aggressive and determined, but ultimately venerable and touching. The script and direction seem a bit random at times (there are some lapses in logic), but it always returns to Ahmed’s creation.

The sound design also contributes to the experience of alternate hearing and open captioning is on screen to be more inclusive for a deaf audience.