Review of Sound of Metal (2020) by Marakai — 18 Dec 2020

Originally planned as project by director Derek Cianfrance, based on the “Metalhead” drummer who actually did blow his ears out and had to adapt to silence. The film was unfinished and debutant director Darius Marder was given Cianfrance’s blessing to complete it.

And what a solid debut it is. It’s a slow burn but nonetheless captivating film that really pays attention to the affliction of Riz Ahmed’s character and makes great use of sound mixing to put the audience directly into the experience of the sudden onset of deafness.

Ahmed gives a brilliantly reserved performance and compliments the quieter moments of the film where it achieves its biggest impact.