Smart, stylish and irresistibly tense, Tuner is an original and gripping psychological thriller that strikes exactly the right note. Packed with suspense, emotional depth and razor-sharp performances, this slick mystery-drama combined with a heist movie. It amazingly manages to keep all the traditional much loved elements of the genres, but at the same time manages to breathe new life into them and keep you completely absorbed from beginning to end.
Blending psychological thriller, mystery and character-driven drama, the film follows gifted young piano tuner Daniel Cross, played by Leo Woodall, who becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets after discovering hidden recordings inside the grand pianos of wealthy London clients. As Daniel investigates further, he forms an uneasy partnership with retired concert pianist Arthur Vale, portrayed by Dustin Hoffman, whose own troubled past may hold the key to the mystery. Director Edward Berger crafts a wonderfully atmospheric film filled with shadowy interiors, elegant cinematography and an unnerving musical score that builds tension beautifully throughout. Beneath its suspenseful plot, Tuner explores themes of obsession, memory, guilt and the emotional power of music.
The two leads are excellent with Leo Woodall delivering a star-making lead performance backing up his popular performance in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, while Dustin Hoffman brings his usual immense gravitas after classics such as Rain Man. Critics and audience reactions have praised the film’s intelligent script, haunting soundtrack, sophisticated storytelling, and breathing life and originality into the genre whilst also highlighting its old-school Hitchcockian atmosphere.
If you enjoyed films like Baby Driver (2017) and Whiplash (2014) then you are likely to enjoy Tuner too.
