73

Might as well start with the obvious highlights - the one-two-three punch of Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, and Paul Raci's performances, and the astonishing sound-design and editing work. What this trio brings to life is fully represented in the aural elements. Completely immersive form that is given a reflective sense of loss and transformation by the cast. Sound of Metal provides a sensory perspective that ultimately could've fallen flat if not supported by such gifted actors. Riz Ahmed's commitment here is quite impactful because of how he underplays certain moments. It's not only due to his intensity. How director Darius Marder, in his feature-debut, put it all together is some sort of minor miracle. Not only does he stick the landing with one hell of an ending, but he's very conscious of how the drama finds its way through the often overwhelming formal design. The narrative here is streamlined but never simplistic, and it's blissfully free of pointless plot threads and preaching tangents. Probably the last person on here to log this movie but please watch it if you haven't.