Direction: Darius Marder
Country: USA
In his first feature film shot in four weeks, Darius Marder tells us a painful story about a heavy metal drummer in the pitiable situation of completely losing his hearing. Apparently, this is something he seems incapable to overcome. Marder, who teamed up with Derek Cianfrance in the writing process (both had collaborated in the latter’s The Place Beyond the Pines), offered the main role to Riz Ahmed (Four Lions; The Sisters Brothers), here solidly supported by Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci and Mathieu Amalric.
Ruben Stone (Ahmed), a former heroin addict who grew up a bit everywhere in America, found his balance when he met his girlfriend, Lou (Cooke), with whom he formed a successful heavy metal duo. They have been living in a RV for the past four years, fully committed to touring and recording. However, due to extreme noise exposure, Ruben is on the verge of becoming deaf. The concerts became agonizing experiences, and the frustration and panic sometimes lead to attacks of fury. We can sense the anxiety in the air.
Forced by Lou, Ruben attends a program for deaf recovering addicts where he is not allowed to have any contact with the exterior world. Under the supervision of Joe (Raci), an ex-alcoholic who lost his hearing in the Vietnam war and believes that deafness is not a handicap, Ruben learns from and gives a lot to the program. But he still has his own plans. What he didn't realize immediately was that the world around him has changed; thus, the same ‘rhythm’ is no longer possible.
The story oozes emotional poignancy, but loses force as it moves forward, partially thwarted by a predictable finale. Nevertheless, Marder grabs us, not so much with the vociferous metal music or any type of artistic pose, but rather with an effective sound design and narrative quality.
