This review was made possible by Popped attending the Surprise Film screening for Tuner at the 69th London Film Festival.
The BFI London Film Festival day two, and the excitement for the surprise film was ahead. The surprise film is a lovely tradition of inviting an audience to watch a film that they are not aware of until they are already seated. The ‘Surprise Film’ at the London Film Festival has now carried on for 40 years, with the first ever surprise film in 1985, screening Richard Attenborough’s A Chorus Line. Previous Surprise Film titles have included Uncut Gems (2019), The Menu (2022), Lady Bird (2017), No Country for Old Men (2007), The Prestige (2006), and many more!
As Kristy Matheson, the director of the BFI London Film Festival, appeared on stage, she shared a couple of fun facts, including that only once has the surprise film ever been a horror. Now, it was time for the reveal. Following the New York Film Festival unveiling its surprise film as the highly anticipated New York thriller, Marty Supreme, which received positive first reactions, London wished for the same Timothée Chalamet-led film. Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme and Edgar Wright’s Running Man were the overwhelming predictions. With a few also predicting Eternity starring Elizabeth Olsen.
The Reveal
As the film was revealed as Tuner, there were many murmurs and heads turning around to each other in collective confusion as to what Tuner was. While Tuner is a dramatic thriller set in New York, it was not the one many assumed it would be, and this is the joy of the surprise film. Sharing a piece of art that may have been left under the radar, and the collective experience of viewing a film that you all had no idea that you would be watching. This film is an absolute joy. It is a very sweet and inviting film, making it the perfect choice for a surprise film.
Documentary filmmaker Daniel Roher pivots to narrative storytelling with Tuner, which had its world premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival. Set in modern-day New York City, it is a fast-paced, fun crime thriller, following the story of Niki White (Leo Woodall), navigating life with a hearing disability that makes everyday sounds painful for his ears. Forced to wear earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones all day, Niki, a very talented and passionate pianist, turns his piano-playing talents into piano tuning. However, trouble soon follows when Niki discovers he has a secret hidden talent for opening safes. The film is wonderfully paced with a 2-hour runtime that flies by, leaving you wanting more.
Performances, Sound and Style
Leo Woodwall delivers a charming and tender lead performance as the main character Niki, one that makes you instantly care and feel for Niki’s journey. He’s a fantastic main character. Niki’s relationship with Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu) is so much fun. Ruthie is an ambitious pianist with big dreams. Woodwall and Liu have such great chemistry; the film desperately needed more of them. Despite being sped through their relationship arc, the film, and the actors themselves still do a great job in making the audience invested in their bond, and their ups and downs.
Harry (Dustin Hoffman) and Marla (Tovah Feldshuh) have limited but solid and very memorable moments, engrossing the audience in their emotional connection as a trio with Niki. Harry and Niki specifically leave a lasting impression throughout the film. This begins as an intimate film with a small supporting cast before it further expands and introduces us to our antagonists, and this is where the film slightly loses itself. While the group of thieves provide levity and comedic breaks, they soon become too prevalent in the film. Perhaps, even more time spent with just Niki and his relationships with Harry, Marla and Ruthie could have benefited the film more.
Technically, the sound design rocks, cleverly switching back and forth between Niki’s POV and everyone else’s during particular sound sequences to fully immerse the audience in Niki’s world with a hearing disability. This is in addition to the beautifully composed music by Will Bates, which, together, created an amazing auditory experience.
‘Tuner’ – Final Thoughts
While Tuner can be at times predictable and a little cliché, it’s still incredibly captivating and an enjoyable time. The final scene is remarkable, ending the film on such a high note. A moment that will not fail to give everyone goosebumps.
Tuner does not currently have a theatrical release date, but is expected to be released next year.
The Review
Tuner
While Tuner can be at times predictable and a little cliché, it’s still incredibly captivating and an enjoyable time. The final scene is remarkable, ending the film on such a high note. A moment that will not fail to give everyone goosebumps.
