Sound of Metal

Sound of Metal is a profoundly moving and deeply immersive movie experience released in 2019, which captures and portrays the raw, human realities associated with loss, acceptance, and the power of silence. The film revolves around the journey of a heavy-metal drummer navigating life after the sudden onset of profound hearing loss, and how this unexpected turn of events causes a deep-seated shift in his life, relationships, and understanding of himself.

The critically acclaimed production is headlined by British actor Riz Ahmed, who embraces his demanding role with exceptional dedication and skill. Ahmed plays Ruben Stone, a recovering drug addict who expresses his boundless energy and passion through his explosive drumming for the noise metal duo called Blackgammon, which he shares with his girlfriend, Lou (played by Olivia Cooke). The crux of Sound of Metal occurs when Ruben's life takes a shattering turn, as he begins to lose his hearing, which forms an integral part of his identity.

Riz Ahmed certainly demands attention and praise for his skilled portrayal of Ruben. He delivers a knockout performance, resonating with the audience through his emotionally-charged scenes and the earnest humanity of his character. He remarkably captures the character's evolution from initial denial and resentment towards his hearing loss to acceptance and exploration of a new reality.

Opposite Ahmed, Olivia Cooke offers an exceptionally compelling performance as Lou, who also struggles with Ruben's loss of hearing, has concerns about his sobriety and fears the downfall of Blackgammon. Her character is captured with such raw emotion that she commands a strong presence on screen, beautifully complimenting Ahmed's Ruben.

An essential figure to both Ruben's journey and the overall plot of the movie is Paul Raci's character, Joe. He is a Vietnam War veteran who ho has also lost his hearing, runs a shelter for deaf recovering addicts and takes Ruben under his wing. He introduces him to a community of deaf people and teaches him that deafness is not a handicap, rather a different societal perspective.

Director Darius Marder showcases a stunning directorial debut in "Sound of Metal", presenting a story that not only shakes up the cinematic experience but also has much to teach about empathy and understanding. The storyline brings the subject of deafness and the deaf community into the spotlight, a segment that has received minimal attention in the film industry. Marder reveals a profound understanding of the deaf community, highlighting their daily battles, triumphs, and unique culture.

The film remarkably explores the themes of identity, acceptance and resilience through the main character's journey. Marder poses intriguing and thought-provoking questions about identity. Does losing a part that you believe defines who you are erases your essence? Do you rely too much on your abilities that without them you would feel lost? The movie gives you all to ponder upon these intense existential questions.

Sound of Metal's technical mastery is as commendable as its performances. The film uniquely uses sound design to mimic Ruben's growing hearing loss and his journey of acclimating to the silence. The sound editing transcends boundaries and pushes the envelope in reflecting the auditory experiences of someone who's hearing impaired or deaf.

The viewers are not just passive spectators but are made to experience Ruben's journey alongside him, going through similar emotions: the initial disorientation, fear, denial, and gradual acceptance. This empathetic view on Ruben's life and struggles make the film resonate months after watching it.

In conclusion, Sound of Metal is a sensory, captivating, and emotionally-charged journey that broadens our understanding of the human condition and offers a profound exploration of identity, personal growth, and acceptance. Driven by impeccable acting, profound storytelling, and revolutionary sound design, it unfurls as a truly refreshing piece of cinema that challenges convention while appealing to our common human sense and sensibility. The story's deeply personal insights and empathetic portrayal of the deaf community makes it an experience worth watching.