Tuner

Explosive and emotionally disarming, Tuner is a heist film cut from a similar cloth to Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver. It has all the makings of an engaging action romp, with an intriguing lead in Leo Woodall as the abrasive and melancholic Niki. Niki works as a piano tuner under the mentorship of Harry, played charmingly by Dustin Hoffman. Despite Niki’s condition – an allergy to loud noises – the two bond over their work, their shared love of music and Niki’s late father. When Harry falls ill, Niki, desperate to help pay the hospital bills, gets tangled up in the schemes of dangerous men and crime. In the midst of all this, Niki develops feelings for Ruthie (Havan Rose Liu), an aspiring composer.

Tuner marvels in the little details that immerse viewers in Niki’s world. Diegetic sound is important in emulating how Niki experiences noise, using reverb and delays paired with slow-motion shots. These, combined with the quick editing style, create dramatic tension in moments of severe violence and high-octane thrills. This also sets the tone for the more romantic scenes with Ruthie, highlighting their intimate bond through music. Then there’s the focus on, and close-ups of, the cogs and inner workings of locks, safes and pianos. More than just a visual accompaniment to Niki’s extreme sensitivity to sound, these shots reflect the two worlds he is caught between.

Behind all the excitement and dramatic twists and turns of Tuner is a human story about complex individuals and the lengths people will go to for those they love. There’s a contrast between Harry and Niki’s mentorship and that of Uri and Niki. There’s a sense of care and attachment in Uri’s relationship with Niki that almost parallels Harry’s affection for him. But it is manipulative, and there’s an obvious hidden motive behind it. It goes to show how outside influences can easily affect someone in Niki’s position – and how feelings of hopelessness, combined with the people surrounding a person, can dictate the decisions they make in life. However, one dynamic that falters is the chemistry between Niki and Ruthie. Because the climax of the piece hinges on the love and trust between the two, their lacklustre connection undermines the impact of the third act.

All that being said, Daniel Roher’s picture is more than just the romance, Woodall’s charismatic performance and the dopamine hit of the action sequences. There’s the core theme of wealth, and how an abundance of material possessions doesn’t necessarily mean happiness. This is best expressed by the abrupt open ending, where the consequences of Niki’s actions finally catch up with him; there’s catharsis in what he loses and gains in exchange for his freedom. It’s reminiscent of How to Train Your Dragon in the way there is a price to pay for doing the right thing. All in all, that little dose of reality is the most valuable takeaway from Tuner.