DIRECTOR
Daniel Roher
Navalny, Once Were Brothers, Blink

STARS
Leo Woodall, Dustin Hoffman, Havana Rose Liu, Tovah Feldshuh, Lior Raz and Jean Reno

The first feature-length fiction film from documentary filmmaker Daniel Roher, director of Oscar winner Navalny; one of the most outstanding documentaries I’ve ever seen and awarded 5 stars to, is an inclusive and untraditional entrant into the heist movie genre.

Rising star Leo Woodall (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and my best movie of 2025, Nuremberg) gives an absorbing performance as apprentice piano tuner Niki, a rather reticent individual who works for Henry (Dustin Hoffman) and his wife Marla (Tovah Feldshuh), and is treated like family by them. Niki also lives with Hyperacusis, a hearing disorder that renders him allergic to loud noises and wears a supporting device to help manage day-to-day sensitivities. His undisturbed way of life earning an honest living comes to an end after crossing paths with Uri (Lior Raz) and are further complicated when Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu), a music student with a career-defining moment approaching, become contrasting parts of his previously simple existence.

Tuner’s utilisation and incorporation of Niki’s condition in every aspect of the story, including the method it is illustrated, both emphasises its thoughtfully conceived writing and directing, and is the asset that renders it a more unique addition to this popular genre. How a genuinely good-hearted man who keeps to himself inserts himself into a life of crime, where this opportunity presents itself to him and what his motivation is are all credible and lend themselves to the characterisation established. I really admire the way Niki’s ailment turns into an unexpected talent, albeit also has him mixing with a crowd he does not belong, and how the filmmaking portrays sound from his perspective at times throughout. His connection to the character Ruthie is also thoughtfully conceived, adds another layer of characterisation, and ensures these developments play an important role in final proceedings. Furthermore, Uri and his gang, are a constant threat to Niki’s innocence and welfare, and audiences are well aware Uri has only Uri’s best interests at heart, which do finely tune tension throughout the second half most would be expecting from a heist film. A heist film with a difference that is well worth watching.

Tuner is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from June 11th, 2026.

Moviedoc thanks VVS Films and Nixco for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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