The recent film Tuner bears striking similarities to several productions from the past decade, which may lead some to question its originality. A storyline centered on stealing items from extremely wealthy individuals—whose absence of awareness about the theft is notable—resembles the Apple TV series Your Friends & Neighbors. The presence of a character suffering from severe hearing impairment, which renders him uniquely suited for criminal activities, echoes the 2017 film Baby Driver. The impending concert of a high-energy music student is presented with a stylistic approach reminiscent of horror cinema rather than character-driven storytelling, contributing to the film’s distinctive atmosphere.
The narrative opens with a shaggy dog tale involving a reclusive young man and his mentor, both employed as piano tuners in New York. Clients frequently disregard their specialized skills, requesting tasks beyond tuning, such as fixing toilets and resetting routers. The role of Niki White, a character who communicates minimally, is portrayed by British actor Leo Woodall; his silence is resolved through a poignant monologue near the film’s conclusion. This quiet presence contrasts with Harry Horowitz, a charismatic jazz musician with genuine talent who relies on piano tuning as his primary financial support—a role played by 88-year-old Dustin Hoffman.
The co-writer and director, Daniel Roher, crafts the film’s initial segment with an authentic sense of realism. The relationship between the two characters is characterized by mutual affection and frequent annoyance, coupled with a deep commitment to their craft. Niki suffers from hyperacusis, a condition where even minor sounds cause significant distress; he describes it as an “allergy” to noise. This disability makes his role as a piano tuner ideal, as he must detect minute variations in pitch. The ability proves particularly useful when attempting to bypass a combination lock, which Niki learns during a single night by studying online tutorials.
During a visit to a New Jersey mansion scheduled for a Billy Joel benefit performance the next evening, Niki discovers a security team installing new equipment while simultaneously committing theft. The group is headed by Uri, portrayed by Lior Raz, known for his role in Fauda. Niki requires financial means after acquiring safecracking skills; Uri informs him that victims are so affluent their losses go unnoticed. Additionally, Uri mentions the owner of the safe Niki cracked played a role in the subprime mortgage crisis. The team notes in Hebrew that the homeowner’s business—a vacuum cleaner sold on television—confuses their understanding of the situation.
The film’s portrayal of Israeli characters initially raised concerns for some viewers. However, detailed characterizations and the specific context suggest no direct allegorical connections to political figures or regions. The Israeli characters function as compelling criminals within the narrative. All major events occur within a single week, providing consistent narrative momentum. During this period, Niki learns safecracking techniques, meets Uri, Harry is hospitalized without insurance coverage, and Niki develops a relationship with Ruthie, a piano student who writes compositions intended to secure an apprenticeship with a renowned classical composer. The trajectory mirrors common patterns in such narratives: initial success gradually deteriorates into severe complications.
The film incorporates classic Hollywood noir elements, including a protagonist entangled in illegal activities while pursuing an altruistic objective. Niki’s vulnerability stems from his condition, making him susceptible to manipulation by those who exploit his hearing impairment. Roher’s narrative technique delivers unexpected twists at regular intervals, with the film’s conclusion resolving all plot points as precisely as a combination lock. Roher, aged 33, previously earned an Academy Award for his documentary on the anti-Putin activist Alexei Navalny. The film establishes him as a significant narrative artist, noted for his sharp direction, strong dialogue sense, and intuitive understanding of pacing and tonal nuance.