Review of Sound of Metal (2020) by Suttree — 25 Dec 2020
The stellar performance by Riz Ahmed, along with sound design of such high caliber that it serves as his co-star, have rightly won much acclaim. The first two acts are compelling, as we see and hear Ruben’s sudden and profound hearing loss before following him to a sober house and school for the deaf. His “owl eyes” take in all they can as Ruben tries to compensate for the new and challenging silence.
Once Ruben raises the money for cochlear implants, the script lurches forward burdened by some heavy-handed messaging and a woefully underwritten Lou. Olivia Cooke, so captivating on stage and in the RV, is reduced playing a plot device, as Lou’s character development is not a priority. This is a missed opportunity, as Ahmed and Cooke are so good together in the early scenes.
Recommended despite the limitations of plot and character development, Sound of Metal has so much going for it that it is a shame more care wasn’t taken with Lou. This and the anti-implant theme mar what is often a riveting film.
This review of Sound of Metal (2020) was written by Suttree on 25 December 2020.
Sound of Metal has generally received very positive reviews.
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