Sound of Metal

Darius Marder's 2020 film follows a drummer losing his hearing. The loss advances within days. He moves into a community of deaf people. The film puts sound at the centre of its narrative; it leaves open whether the loss of hearing is a loss or a new state. Riz Ahmed was nominated and the film won Academy Awards for sound and editing. Deaf actors appear in the community scenes. The sound design gives exactly what the character hears. Who it's for: those who like sound design and character drama. Who it's not for: viewers expecting continuous music; the film carries long silences.