Tuner

By Joanna Langfield

Taut and resonant, Tuner not only announces filmmaker Daniel Roher’s auspicious narrative debut, but handily assures star Leo Woodall’s place as a compelling leading man.

Woodall, previously known for turns in Nuremberg and Mad About the Boy, steps into the spotlight as a piano tuner working for Dustin Hoffman’s failing company. Together, they travel the tri state area, babying baby grands in schools, mansions and penthouses. Niki has a magic touch, along with a life altering hearing problem. When he discovers his safe little world is about to change and a not so legal opportunity comes his way, Niki goes for it, thinking he can get out at any time. But can he?

Roher’s accomplished documentary backround leads to some very intricate character work here. Hoffman’s Harry Horowitz is a well meaning veteran who seemingly stays in business just to take care of Niki, the young man he cares for like a son. The relationship between the two is a treat to enjoy, as is the one that develops when Havana Rose Liu’s Ruthie enters the picture. On the flip side, when Fauda’s Lior Raz shows up as a not so benign mentor, the dynamics shift. And Niki, caught up in the good versus evil paradigm, can’t tune out the noise from either.

This is all pretty cool stuff, a morality story that pretty much hits all the right notes. But the most beautiful one of all is the very impressive performance from Woodall who, almost without a word, says everything we need to hear.