Expertise in both piano tuning and cracking safes may seem worlds apart, but both demand immense patience, acute listening, and calm precision. These qualities form the core of Daniel Roher’s debut narrative feature, Tuner, which premiered at Sundance this week. The film explores how these shared skills unfold within a gripping crime thriller.
Plot and Key Cast Members
Tuner follows Leo Woodall’s character, a former pianist forced to abandon his passion due to hyperacusis — a rare hearing disorder that heightens sensitivity to sound. Searching for a new path, he becomes a piano tuner under the mentorship of a seasoned technician portrayed by Dustin Hoffman. As the plot thickens, the protagonist’s unique skills draw attention from criminal forces, blending intimacy with thrilling tension. The cast also includes Havana Rose Liu, Jean Reno, Lior Raz, and Tovah Feldshuh.
Release and Anticipated Impact
The film is set for a limited theatrical release starting May 22, followed by a wider rollout the subsequent week. Tuner is poised to offer a thoughtful exploration of hearing, patience, and friendship, wrapped in the suspense of a crime story. Its focus on quiet resilience and the subtle power of listening distinguishes it within the thriller genre.
