Sound Of Metal (2020)

A recovering drug addict and drummer (Riz Ahmed) in a heavy metal punk band begins to lose his hearing. A doctor tells him to avoid loud noise but he continues to perform in the rock band. Eventually, he must confront the fact that the damage is permanent and reluctantly seeks help at a shelter that specializes in recovering addicts that are deaf. Directed by Darius Marder, this is an often uncomfortable movie to sit through but that's a compliment to its power, not a complaint. The film can be tedious at times because of the exactness of Marder's detailing but it's never a bore. The amazing sound design takes us directly into the head of Ahmed's character as he deals with the rapid changes in his life. The film can be melodramatic at times but Ahmed's awesome performance keeps us glued to his situation. Marder and Ahmed keep it real so don't expect to feel warm and inspired when it's finished. After seeing this film, you'll never take your hearing for granted again. With Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci, Mathieu Amalric and Lauren Ridloff.