Sound of Metal Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A drummer goes deaf, gets robot ears, realizes robot ears are lame, and chills out in a park; the end.

🍿 Sound of Metal: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Life of Music and Sudden Hearing Loss

Ruben and Lou are a couple living a nomadic life, touring as a punk-metal duo called Blackgammon. Ruben, the drummer, suddenly experiences rapid hearing loss, threatening his livelihood and identity. A pharmacist directs him to a specialist, who confirms the severity of his condition and suggests avoiding loud noises.

Entering the Deaf Community

Concerned for Ruben’s well-being and sobriety, Lou connects him with a rural community for deaf recovering addicts, led by Joe, a Vietnam War veteran who lost his hearing. Initially resistant, Ruben reluctantly agrees to stay, grappling with the prospect of embracing a life without sound.

Finding Connection and Purpose

At the community, Ruben begins to learn American Sign Language and connects with other members, including Diane and her students. Joe encourages him to find stillness and accept his deafness, which challenges Ruben’s desire to regain his hearing through cochlear implants. Despite finding a sense of purpose in the community, Ruben remains fixated on the idea of restoring his hearing.

The Pursuit of Cochlear Implants

Driven by his desire to return to his old life, Ruben sells his belongings, including his RV and music equipment, to afford cochlear implant surgery. This decision creates a rift between him and Joe, who believes that deafness is not a handicap to be fixed. The pursuit isolates Ruben further.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed): A punk-metal drummer who experiences rapid hearing loss, forcing him to confront his identity and addiction.
• Lou (Olivia Cooke): Ruben’s girlfriend and bandmate who is concerned about his well-being and encourages him to seek help.
• Joe (Paul Raci): A compassionate Vietnam War veteran and recovering alcoholic who runs a deaf community and mentors Ruben.
• Richard Berger (Mathieu Amalric): Lou’s wealthy and supportive father, who provides a stable environment for her in Paris.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ruben: “Like, what does it matter? What does it matter? It just passes. Yo. If I disappear, like, who cares? Nobody cares, man. Seriously. Yo, and that’s okay. That’s life. That’s life. No, for real. Okay? It just passes. It just fucking… fucking passes.” – Ruben expresses his nihilistic worldview, highlighting his struggle with purpose after losing his hearing.
• Joe: “I wonder, uh, all these mornings you’ve been sitting in my study, sitting, have you had any moments of stillness? Because you’re right, Ruben. The world does keep moving, and it can be a damn cruel place. But for me, those moments of stillness, that place, that’s the kingdom of God.” – Joe emphasizes the importance of finding inner peace and accepting the present moment, a central theme of the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,400,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,528,477
• Worldwide Gross: $3,562,339

💥 Sound of Metal Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie hit me hard. As a musician, the thought of losing my hearing is terrifying, and Riz Ahmed perfectly captured that fear and frustration. The scenes in the deaf community were so moving, and I found myself really connecting with the characters. The ending was beautiful and bittersweet, and left me with a lot to think about. I can’t stop thinking about the scene when he’s playing with the kids, that moved me to tears!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent dramas”
  • “Those interested in stories about addiction and recovery”
  • “Individuals seeking films with authentic representation of the deaf community”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances and compelling character studies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use and addiction”
  • “Depiction of hearing loss and related emotional distress”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Riz Ahmed delivers a career-defining performance in this immersive and emotionally resonant film about loss and acceptance. The sound design is a marvel, placing the viewer directly into Ruben’s experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A deeply moving and thought-provoking drama, anchored by Ahmed’s raw and vulnerable portrayal of a musician grappling with sudden hearing loss. The film offers a unique perspective on the deaf community.
• Variety: “Sound of Metal is a powerful and unforgettable film. Ahmed is phenomenal. The movie’s success lies in its authentic portrayal of deafness and its ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Audience Reactions

Riz Ahmed’s performance is captivating and emotionally resonant.: Viewers are particularly moved by the realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by the deaf community.

The sound design immerses you in the character’s experience.: Many praised the film for its innovative use of sound and silence to convey the protagonist’s journey.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed and emotionally powerful film with exceptional performances and innovative sound design.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Sound)- 2021
2. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 2021
3. BAFTA Award (Best Sound)- 2021
4. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Editing)- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Riz Ahmed spent several months learning to play the drums and immersing himself in deaf culture to prepare for his role.”
• “The film’s sound design was meticulously crafted to replicate the experience of hearing loss, using a combination of silence, muffled sounds, and the distorted audio from cochlear implants.”
• “Paul Raci, who plays Joe, the leader of the deaf community, is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and fluent in American Sign Language, bringing authenticity to the role.”
• “Director Darius Marder co-wrote the screenplay with his brother, Abraham Marder, and the story was conceived by Derek Cianfrance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sound of Metal?

Sound of Metal is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or purchase the film on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as rental and purchase options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sound of Metal, you might like these similar films:

• Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995): Explores a musician’s changing life and priorities when faced with unexpected circumstances, and the profound impact they have on others.
• The Wrestler (2008): Features a protagonist grappling with the decline of their physical abilities and struggling to redefine their identity outside of their passion.
• It’s All Gone Pete Tong (2004): Chronicles a DJ who goes deaf. How he deals with his hearing loss.

🛒 Sound of Metal Related Products

• Sound of Metal [Blu-ray]: Own the award-winning film on Blu-ray with exclusive behind-the-scenes content, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes. A must-have for any movie enthusiast.
• American Sign Language Dictionary: A Complete Guide to ASL Signs and Grammar: Learn American Sign Language (ASL) with this comprehensive dictionary. Includes detailed illustrations, cultural notes, and grammar lessons to immerse yourself in the language.
• Riz Ahmed – The Long Goodbye [Vinyl]: Listen to Riz Ahmed’s critically acclaimed album, ‘The Long Goodbye’ available for digital download. Experience his unique blend of music and spoken word exploring themes of identity and belonging.
• Drum Set for Beginners with Adjustable Throne, Sticks & Cymbal – Adult & Junior Size Complete Kit: Unleash your inner musician with this complete drum set designed for beginners. Perfect for practicing rhythms and exploring your musical talents, just like Ruben!

🎧 Soundtrack

Sound of Metal features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Purify” – performed by Riz Ahmed & Olivia Cooke
• “Blackgammon” – performed by Riz Ahmed & Olivia Cooke

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Drummer Rates 7 Drum Scenes in Movies and TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

Intriguing analysis from a seasoned drummer, revealing the authenticity of the drum-playing portrayed in ‘Sound of Metal’ and other movies. Dive into the video to uncover the realness behind the cinematic beats!

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