“Tuner” Film Review/Opinion

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5

This film had a limited run at our local cinema and, after seeing it promoted regularly, my wife and I were keen to give it a watch. It stars Leo Woodall as the Tuner, alongside Havana Rose Liu, with Dustin Hoffman appearing in a supporting role.

A crime thriller with touches of dark comedy, the film benefits from a strong cast and an intriguing premise. Dustin Hoffman is perhaps a little underused, although his character and his wife help illustrate how their friend (Leo Woodall’s character), employee and apprentice is suddenly enjoying a lifestyle that appears beyond his means. The chemistry between Woodall and Liu has an awkward quality to it, but I suspect this is entirely intentional given the personalities of the characters involved.

Leo Woodall is very watchable and plays the role convincingly. The sound design is particularly impressive throughout that supports his story. It allows the audience to connect more closely with Woodall’s character and it becomes especially important in communicating the film’s closing moments effectively.

With a running time of just under two hours, the pacing feels well judged and never outstays its welcome. It was also refreshing to watch a smaller, more independent film during what is typically blockbuster season. If you get the opportunity to see it, I would certainly recommend giving it a watch.

Tuner is a crime thriller that follows Niki White, a talented piano tuner whose extraordinary ear for sound leads him into an unexpected life of crime. After discovering he can use his unique abilities to crack safes, he becomes entangled in a dangerous world of theft and deception while trying to protect the people he cares about. As the stakes rise, Niki must navigate loyalty, love and the consequences of choices that threaten to change his life forever.

Online synopsis

Film Rating

Music/Sound

5 out of 5 (mainly instrumental)

Story/plot

4 out of 5

Acting/Performances

5 out of 5

Overall

4.5 out of 5

Certification: 15
Running time: 107 minutes
Screening type: 2D