“Tuner”
(Canada/USA)
Metacritic (9/10), Letterboxd (4.5/5), Imdb.com (9/10), TMDB.com (9/10), Imdb critics review
#BrentMarchant #Tuner #LeoWoodall #DustinHoffman #HavanaRoseLiu #DanielRoher #pianotuner #safecracker #hearingimpairment #crimethriller #romance #aspiringcomposer
At a time when certain new releases are having praise undeservingly heaped upon them, it’s truly unfortunate when a picture that genuinely merits such attention isn’t receiving the degree of credit it’s due. Such is the case with the latest offering from writer-director Daniel Roher, a romantic crime thriller that’s handily one of the best new releases of 2026. The future of onetime piano virtuoso Niki White (Leo Woodall) gets derailed in childhood when the aspiring prodigy develops a crippling hearing impairment that leaves him audibly impaled by loud sounds, effectively ending his performance future as he sees it. However, despite this condition, he’s able to tolerate soft sounds, a capability that makes him an ideal candidate to be a piano tuner (his sense of perfect pitch helps, too). He thus works as an apprentice to a seasoned piano tuner/repairman, Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman), who serves as a mentor and close friend. As it turns out, though, Niki unwittingly discovers that his skills also make him an ideal candidate for becoming a highly adept safecracker. His ability to discern nearly silent combination lock clicks enables him to open virtually any repository that would otherwise be impossible to access. And, when he unexpectedly meets a crooked security systems installer, Uri (Lior Raz), who clandestinely removes valuables from the safes of his wealthy clients, Niki is recruited to join the team. Although initially reluctant to embrace this new side hustle, Niki’s apprehension disappears when he discovers the kind of big money he can earn using his skills in this less-than-ethical manner. That’s especially true when he needs to come up with ample cash to cover the costs of an expensive emergency and winning the affections of his new girlfriend, Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), a conservatory student who dreams of becoming an aspiring composer. But the good life into which he stumbles comes at a high cost, one that Niki desperately must find a way to cover when circumstances head south. This gradually simmering scenario brings together all of the foregoing story threads into a potentially explosive situation, one with ramifications on multiple fronts. So how will this all play out? That’s the narrative tapestry the filmmaker skillfully weaves in this release, one that’s tautly constructed, superbly written and effectively fuses material from several cinematic genres. The excellent ensemble cast (particularly this breakthrough performance for Woodall and a return to form for Hoffman) is well assembled, and the performers make the most of the fine screenplay they’ve been given to work with, especially in the areas of comic relief and surprisingly on-target philosophical observations. And, of course, there’s the music, which eloquently combines both original material and a collection of old favorites from multiple motifs. I seriously hope this offering is not forgotten come awards season, as it deserves the accolades it receives in many regards. “Tuner” should definitely be on the watch list of anyone who appreciates good cinema. And, if you see it, please spread the word to help the picture get the recognition it genuinely deserves.