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Sound of Metal

Sound of Metal is a drama film written and directed by in his feature-length directorial debut. The story centers on Ruben, a portrayed by , whose life unravels after he experiences sudden and severe , prompting a profound journey of adaptation and self-reckoning. Co-written by Marder with his brother Abraham Marder and based on a story by , the film delves into themes of , addiction recovery, and cultural immersion in the Deaf community. The narrative follows Ruben as he grapples with his deteriorating hearing while touring with his punk-metal duo alongside his girlfriend , played by . Concerned for his well-being, Lou introduces him to a Deaf rehabilitation center led by Joe, portrayed by , where Ruben learns and confronts the possibility of a life without sound. The film's innovative immerses viewers in Ruben's auditory experience, shifting from chaotic metal riffs to muffled silence and vibrations. Production on Sound of Metal began in 2018, with filming locations including the area in and , . Made on a modest budget of approximately $5.4 million, the film premiered at the on September 6, 2019, before receiving a in the United States on November 20, 2020, distributed by Amazon Studios, followed by streaming on on December 4, 2020. It ultimately grossed $516,520 at the worldwide . Critically acclaimed, Sound of Metal holds a 97% approval rating on based on 287 reviews, with praise for its empathetic portrayal of and Riz 's transformative . At the , the film won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Film Editing, while earning nominations for Best Picture, (Riz ), (Paul ), and Best Original Screenplay. It also received Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture – and in a (Riz ), as well as BAFTA nominations for Best Sound and Best Editing.

Synopsis

Plot Summary

Ruben Stone, the drummer for the heavy metal duo Blackgammon, tours the in a customized with his girlfriend , who serves as the band's singer and manager. The pair, both recovering addicts maintaining four years of sobriety, perform high-energy gigs at small venues and festivals. During a festival performance, Ruben suddenly experiences severe , with sounds becoming increasingly muffled and distorted. Alarmed, he visits an audiologist, who diagnoses bilateral with hearing thresholds of 24 in the left ear and 28 in the right, missing 70-80% of words, and warns that the condition is rapidly progressing to total . The doctor recommends cochlear implants as the primary treatment option, estimating costs between $40,000 and $80,000, but emphasizes that they will not restore natural hearing. Devastated and in , Ruben reacts with anger and isolation, smashing his and contemplating relapse into . , fearing for his and , contacts Ruben's sponsor and arranges for Ruben to join a rural led by , a who runs a school emphasizing acceptance of over "fixing" it. Ruben commits to the program for several months. At the community, Ruben learns through classes and immersion, participates in daily routines including group therapy and morning readings led by , and begins teaching percussion to the deaf children using vibrations. Despite forming bonds, particularly with the young deaf children there, Ruben grows increasingly frustrated by his inability to hear music clearly and the philosophy of embracing silence, leading to heated confrontations with . Lou, struggling with her own emotional strain, decides to leave for to restart her music career in a sober environment and give Ruben space to adapt. After completing the program, Ruben sells their musical equipment and van to fund the surgery. Upon activation, the implants provide mechanical, tinny audio that disappoints him, especially when he attempts to play and hears only clanging noise. Ruben returns to the community to say goodbye to Joe, but Joe expels him, explaining that the implants contradict the program's philosophy of embracing deafness fully. Seeking reconnection, Ruben flies to , where the unnatural sounds from the implants hinder their interactions, including an awkward attempt at intimacy. Realizing their relationship cannot continue under the circumstances, they part amicably, with Ruben expressing gratitude for her support during his recovery. The next morning, Ruben leaves and goes to a nearby park, where he removes the implant processors and sits silently on a bench. The film ends in silence as Ruben embraces his , intercut with the participating in a group led by .

Themes and Motifs

The film Sound of Metal centers on the theme of and to , portraying the Ruben's initial resistance to his sudden as a form of denial that evolves into an embrace of through communal immersion. Director describes this arc as a journey toward " and the impermanence and letting go," highlighting how Ruben's struggle mirrors broader human experiences of loss and resilience. This theme is reinforced by the Deaf 's emphasis on viewing not as a deficit to overcome but as a to inhabit fully. A prominent is the contrast between and , which immerses audiences in the irony of a confronting auditory deprivation, using innovative to simulate his perceptual shifts. collaborated with sound supervisor Nicolas over 23 weeks to craft this "point of hearing" perspective, making a palpable force that underscores the film's exploration of presence and absence. This auditory ties into themes of and , as Ruben's professional and personal self—tied to and his relationship with Lou—fragments under the weight of his condition, paralleling his ongoing recovery from . Lou's parallel growth through separation further illustrates how fosters individual transformation. The representation of Deaf culture serves as a core theme, emphasizing communal support, the centrality of sign language, and a rejection of medical interventions like cochlear implants as "fixes" for what the community sees as a valid way of being. Marder incorporated authentic elements by casting Deaf actors such as and , and consulting the community for details like children's games, to portray Deaf spaces as nurturing environments that challenge hearing-centric norms. Subtle motifs, such as hands—evident in signing for communication and drumming for —symbolize enduring connections amid change, with Ruben's hand tattoos ("ALIVE ALONE") visually encapsulating his and vitality. Religious and philosophical undertones infuse the narrative, particularly through mentor Joe's guidance toward stillness as a path to , evoking spiritual acceptance akin to "be still and know " and critiquing self-destructive resistance rooted in toxic .

Production

Development and Writing

The screenplay for Sound of Metal was co-written by brothers and Abraham Marder, originating from a story concept developed by and filmmaker . The narrative stemmed from Cianfrance's abandoned early-2000s project , a hybrid documentary-fiction work inspired by the real-life duo and centered on a grappling with hearing . Recognizing the need for a more structured fictional approach, the Marders transformed the idea into a feature-length script that shifted focus to the psychological and cultural implications of sudden for a hearing individual. The landed with production company in 2016, marking the start of a rigorous development phase that ultimately spanned about a decade due to iterative refinements and external hurdles. To enhance authenticity, the writers incorporated feedback from Deaf consultants, including Jeremy Lee Stone, who advised on usage, cultural representation, and the lived realities of Deaf experiences, ensuring the portrayal avoided common stereotypes. This collaborative process extended to on-set guidance for Deaf performers, fostering a that prioritized over . Financing the project presented significant obstacles, reflective of broader industry reluctance toward stories involving and niche subcultures like . Produced by Caviar on a modest $5.4 million , with crucial financing from private investors such as and Kathy Benz, whose last-minute commitment enabled . Amazon Studios later acquired the film for distribution following its at the . Industry executives often dismissed the premise as uncommercial, citing concerns over audience appeal for a tale of auditory loss, which prolonged the timeline and tested the team's resolve. From inception, director prioritized an innovative sound-centric vision, partnering early with supervising sound editor and designer Nicolas Becker to blueprint the film's aural architecture. This collaboration laid the groundwork for simulating the protagonist's deteriorating hearing in , using techniques like distorted frequencies and muffled perspectives to bridge hearing and Deaf viewpoints without relying on visual crutches. Marder's approach stemmed from a desire to make audiences "feel" the loss, integrating sound as a driver rather than mere . Creative decisions emphasized organic, non-linear inspirations from real-life Deaf encounters, including Marder's observations of his hard-of-hearing grandmother's captioning advocacy and his immersion in a silent . These elements informed a script that eschewed linear recovery arcs in favor of exploring identity reconstruction, with depicted as a transformative, irreversible shift rather than a curable affliction. The result was a that simulated auditory disorientation progressively, compelling viewers to confront as a vibrant sensory world unto itself.

Casting

Riz Ahmed was cast in the lead role of Ruben Stone after Belgian actor and were initially attached to the project, which had been in development for over a decade as a hybrid docufiction by director before took over. To prepare for portraying a punk-metal , Ahmed, who had no prior experience with the instrument, trained intensively for more than seven months under instructors including London-based Adam Betts, percussionist Guy Licata, and Sean Powell, practicing several hours daily and using software like Groove Scribe to build technical proficiency. He performed key drumming sequences live on set, including a single-take segment before a real audience at a venue. For the role, Ahmed also immersed himself in , training in (ASL) nearly every day for six to seven months with coach Jeremy Lee Stone, emphasizing conversational immersion over textbook methods to achieve natural fluency. To simulate , sound designer Nicolas Becker fitted custom ear devices into Ahmed's ears during filming, allowing him to experience muffled audio and adapt his performance accordingly. Olivia Cooke was selected for the role of Lou Berger, Ruben's bandmate and girlfriend, drawing on her ability to perform vocals and guitar convincingly in the film; she co-wrote and sang the original track "Purify" with composer Margaret Chardiet, performing it alongside Ahmed's drumming in live scenes. Limited details are available on specific pre-role acting preparation for Cooke, though her involvement highlighted the need for musicianship in the duo's on-screen dynamic. Paul Raci, a child of deaf adults () fluent in ASL as his first language, was cast as Joe, the counselor at a deaf sober house; his real-life heritage from a deaf family and personal history with informed the authenticity of the performance, marking a breakout role after decades of smaller parts in television shows like and Baskets. The supporting cast included deaf actress as Charlotte, a teacher in the deaf community; French actor as Richard Berger, Lou's father; and Jeremy Shouldis as BBQ, a minor resident at the sober house. Casting prioritized authenticity by employing deaf performers for deaf characters, with multiple deaf artists like Chelsea Lee and Jeremy Lee Stone contributing perspectives during production to ensure accurate representation of deaf experiences and culture. A key challenge in casting was securing actors capable of convincingly performing music, particularly for the heavy metal duo; Ahmed's intensive drum training from scratch addressed this for his role, while the production's emphasis on live performances underscored the difficulty of blending with genuine musical execution. The script's demands for integrated musical and linguistic further shaped these priorities.

Filming and Technical Aspects

Principal photography for Sound of Metal took place over 24 non-consecutive days in , primarily in the area of , including locations in Ipswich, Danvers, Saugus, and Rowley, with additional shooting in , Belgium. The limited schedule necessitated efficient planning, with director opting for only two takes per scene to manage the tight budget and timeline. Cinematographer Daniël Bouquet employed a naturalistic approach to capture the intimacy of the protagonists' touring life, utilizing handheld cameras for dynamic, eye-level shots that conveyed immediacy and . Natural lighting was prioritized, drawing from practical sources like windows and ambient environments to evoke the raw, unpolished feel of performances and daily routines, while shooting on 35mm in 2-perf format enhanced the tactile, organic texture of the visuals. To visually simulate Ruben's hearing loss without relying on audio cues, the filmmakers focused on tight close-ups of faces and hands during conversations, emphasizing non-verbal communication through facial expressions and gestures to immerse audiences in his and reliance on visual cues. were deliberately omitted in scenes where Ruben could not comprehend spoken or signed , heightening the viewer's disorientation and mirroring his experience. Production designer Jeremy Woodward crafted authentic sets to ground the story, including a customized DIY tour van—nicknamed ""—outfitted with musician-specific details like drum storage and lived-in clutter to reflect the couple's nomadic existence. The deaf community school was constructed as a makeshift facility on a rural property, using simple, communal architecture with open spaces and visual aids to authentically represent a supportive, insular environment without overt stylization. In , editor shaped the film's pacing to echo Ruben's psychological disorientation, employing deliberate rhythm shifts—such as abrupt cuts and lingering holds on reactions—to convey confusion and emotional turmoil, while integrating early elements to align visual transitions with the character's sensory shift.

Music and Sound Design

The original music for the fictional heavy metal band Blackgammon in Sound of Metal was composed by Abraham Marder in collaboration with Riz Ahmed, who portrayed drummer Ruben and performed the tracks to capture the band's raw, aggressive style blending sludge metal riffs with electronic undertones. Marder co-wrote key songs like "Purify," the film's opening performance, emphasizing distorted guitars, pounding drums, and pulsating synth layers to reflect the itinerant duo's punk-metal energy before Ruben's hearing deteriorates. Ahmed, trained intensively over seven months by drummers including Guy Licata, executed live takes to ensure authenticity, with the music serving as a visceral contrast to the film's later auditory shifts. The film's sound design, led by supervising sound editor and designer Nicolas Becker in partnership with editor , pioneered a custom "hearing mix" to immerse audiences in Ruben's progressive through innovative audio manipulation. This involved layering eight dedicated audio tracks—mono for dialogue and for atmospheres—filtered with low-pass effects, drones, and tinnitus-like hums to simulate muffling and from Ruben's viewpoint after the onset of . During filming, a remote-triggered device delivered bursts to Ahmed in , guiding actors' reactions while Becker captured foley elements using geophones, hydrophones, stethoscopes, and ultra-sensitive microphones to record internal body vibrations like breathing and pulse, recreating the occluded auditory world of sudden hearing impairment. Post-hearing loss sequences employ muffled, perspective-driven audio where environmental sounds fade into a hazy roar, forcing viewers to rely on visual cues in near-silent scenes, such as Ruben's interactions at the Deaf , where dialogue is often omitted to evoke without for . For sequences, Becker utilized Lab software for real-time processing, generating fragmented, metallic distortions that prioritize unnatural foreground noises—like clinking glasses or rustling leaves—over coherent speech, based on interviews with implant users to avoid stereotypical "miracle cure" portrayals. Becker and Marder's score shifts to minimalist ambient textures after the implants, using instruments like the , , and resophonic guitar to craft subtle, droning soundscapes that underscore Ruben's disorientation and contrast sharply with Blackgammon's earlier bombastic metal anthems. Contributions from deaf percussionist , including percussive elements on cymbals and chains, added tactile depth to these post-implant cues. The production collaborated extensively with the broader Deaf community to ensure accurate representation of acoustics, emphasizing fragmented perceptions over idealized hearing restoration and steering clear of common cinematic stereotypes.

Release

Premiere and Distribution

Sound of Metal had its world premiere on September 6, 2019, at the in the Platform section. Shortly after, Amazon Studios acquired the U.S. distribution rights during the festival. The film received further recognition at the 2020 , where it won the FIPRESCI Prize in the Forum section. Due to the , the U.S. theatrical release was limited to select theaters on November 20, 2020, before becoming widely available for streaming on starting December 4, 2020. This shift prioritized and streaming over a broader cinematic rollout, adapting to theater closures and restrictions. International theatrical releases followed in 2021 across various markets, including the on May 21, on June 16, and on March 5. Marketing for the film featured trailers that emphasized its immersive , simulating the protagonist's to engage audiences experientially. The campaign highlighted the film's authentic portrayal of , aligning with efforts to promote and in cinema.

Box Office Performance

Sound of Metal achieved a total worldwide gross of $516,520, primarily from theatrical releases. The film had a limited U.S. theatrical debut on November 20, , amid the , before expanding slightly in subsequent weeks. The severely constrained its theatrical performance, as widespread theater closures, capacity restrictions, and audience hesitancy hampered attendance for limited releases like this indie drama. Its quick pivot to streaming on on December 4, , enhanced visibility and cultural reach but did not contribute to revenue. Produced on a of approximately $5.4 million, the film recouped costs and proved profitable primarily through Amazon's acquisition of streaming rights, underscoring how prestige content thrives beyond traditional theatrical metrics. For an drama, this haul was modest, with the picture's ultimate success gauged more by critical acclaim and recognition than financial returns.

Home Media

Following its debut on Amazon Prime Video in December 2020, Sound of Metal became available for digital purchase and rental on platforms including , , and various video-on-demand services. The film received its initial physical home media release from Amazon Studios in the form of Blu-ray and DVD editions on May 31, 2021, which were barebones without extensive extras. A more comprehensive edition followed from on September 27, 2022, encompassing 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats in a two-disc special edition supervised by director and cinematographer Daniël Bouquet. The Criterion release includes several special features focused on the film's production, such as a new conversation between and filmmaker ; a program on the sound design featuring and sound designer ; a with outtakes from the music video for the song "," introduced by ; an Amazon original behind-the-scenes featurette covering aspects like the involvement of the deaf community and interviews with and deaf cast members including and ; plus a theatrical trailer and an essay by critic Roxana Hadadi. Accessibility features in the Criterion edition comprise English for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), ensuring closed captions for and key audio elements, though some sequences rely on contextual visuals rather than full translation. As of 2025, Sound of Metal remains accessible via streaming bundles such as and select international services like and , with no new physical editions announced.

Reception

Critical Response

Sound of Metal received widespread critical acclaim, earning a 97% approval rating on based on 287 reviews, with the site's consensus describing it as "an evocative look at the experiences of the deaf community" brought to life by Riz Ahmed's passionate performance. On , the film holds a score of 82 out of 100 from 37 critics, indicating universal acclaim. Critics frequently praised Riz Ahmed's transformative performance as the drummer Ruben, noting his ability to convey profound emotional shifts through subtle physicality and immersion in . The 's innovative was highlighted for its visceral immersion into , using muffled audio and tinnitus effects to place audiences inside the protagonist's perspective without exploitation. Reviewers also commended the authentic representation of , achieved through collaboration with Deaf consultants and casting of Deaf actors in key roles, offering a nuanced to stereotypical portrayals. In , the film was lauded as an "astonishing drama that’s rooted in reality," with Ahmed delivering a career-best performance that excels in emotional expressiveness via ASL. emphasized the movie's emotional depth, portraying the journey through deafness and recovery as profoundly unsentimental and a vital wake-up to Deaf experiences. Some reviewers pointed to minor pacing issues in the segment depicting Ruben's time in the Deaf community, suggesting it felt somewhat rushed amid the film's deliberate tempo. Others raised quibbles about the accuracy of the depiction, arguing it overstated initial disorientation and undervalued long-term adaptation for users. The film appeared on 52 critics' top-ten lists for 2020, reflecting its strong end-of-year impact. In 2025, it ranked #237 on ' readers' choice list of the 100 Best Movies of the (extended to 500).

Audience and Cultural Impact

The film garnered strong audience approval, earning a 90% audience score on based on over 2,500 verified ratings. Its exclusive streaming availability on further amplified viewership, where it consistently ranked among the platform's top films and benefited from positive word-of-mouth driven by its intimate portrayal of personal transformation. This public enthusiasm was bolstered by critical acclaim, which helped sustain interest through awards season buzz. Sound of Metal significantly raised awareness of by immersing viewers in the experiences of Deaf individuals and communities, marking a rare mainstream spotlight on these narratives. The film's depiction of sparked widespread debates within and Deaf circles, highlighting tensions between medical interventions and , with organizations like the addressing its portrayal of implant outcomes and community dynamics. It has also been referenced in disability rights discussions, prompting conversations about representation and autonomy for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, though responses from the community varied, with some critiquing its binary framing of hearing and Deaf worlds. The movie inspired real-world dialogues on in music, particularly how performers with can adapt through alternative sensory experiences and community support, as explored in reflections from musicians and audiologists on the film's empathetic . Riz Ahmed's lead performance as the protagonist further advanced South Asian representation in , showcasing a complex, non-stereotypical role for an actor of Pakistani descent and contributing to broader discussions on diverse casting in dramatic leads. In its media legacy, Sound of Metal has been the subject of numerous documentaries, interviews, and podcasts dissecting its innovative sound techniques, such as the use of to simulate . The film's immersive audio has become a staple in curricula, analyzed in academic papers for its narrative integration of subjective and its role in evoking through auditory perspective shifts. Released in late 2020 amid the , Sound of Metal developed a by resonating with themes of and , offering viewers a of finding in stillness during widespread lockdowns. Its enduring appeal was affirmed in 2025 when it appeared on ' readers' poll for the 100 best films of the , underscoring its lasting cultural resonance.

Accolades

Major Awards

Sound of Metal received significant recognition at major awards ceremonies, particularly for its , , and performances. At the in 2021, the film earned six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor for , Best Supporting Actor for , Best , and Best Film . It won Oscars for Best , awarded to Nicolas Becker, Jaime Baksht, Michelle Couttolenc, Carlos Cortés, and Phillip Bladh, recognizing their immersive mix that conveys the protagonist's , and Best Film , given to for his work on seamless transitions between auditory perspectives. The film also triumphed at the , winning Best Sound for the same team, highlighting the technical achievement in simulating through audio layering and perspective shifts, and Best , awarded to . received a nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama at the , underscoring his portrayal of a grappling with sudden . At the 30th in 2021, won Best Actor for his transformative performance. The 36th further honored the film with wins for Best Male Lead (), Best Supporting Male (), and Best First Feature, celebrating its independent origins and emotional depth. No major new awards followed in subsequent years, though the film's enduring impact was noted in its 2022 release, which included new interviews reflecting on its accolades.

Industry Recognition

Sound of Metal earned widespread acclaim from technical guilds, particularly for its innovative sound work. At the 57th Cinema Audio Society Awards in 2021, the film won the Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Live Action Motion Picture, recognizing the contributions of production mixer Phillip Bladh, re-recording mixers Nicolas Becker and Jaime Baksht, and sound designers Michelle Couttolenc and Carlos Cortés Madera. This victory highlighted the film's immersive audio design, which simulated progressive through layered mixing techniques. The project also received three nominations at the 68th Golden Reel Awards, including categories for Dialogue and Editing, Sound Effects and Foley Editing, and Music Editing. Beyond sound, garnered nominations from major and producing guilds, as well as a win at the 73rd for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Feature Film, awarded to director . The nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, acknowledging his portrayal of Ruben, who confronts sudden . Similarly, at the 32nd , producers Bert Hamelinck and Sacha Ben Harroche were nominated for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures, reflecting 's effective independent production amid challenges like authentic deaf community integration. On the festival circuit, Sound of Metal achieved notable honors that underscored its indie appeal and cultural resonance. It was longlisted for Best International Independent Film at the 2021 , competing among global entries for its narrative depth and performances. The film premiered to strong reception at events like the and later screened at the , where director earned a nomination for the Grand Special Prize. These recognitions contributed to the film's broader momentum, culminating in its Academy Award wins for Best Sound and Best Film Editing, which built directly on the guild validations. Overall, Sound of Metal amassed over 260 nominations and wins across independent, international, and guild circuits, with particular praise for its technical achievements and representation of deaf experiences, though specific honors from deaf-focused festivals were not formally awarded.

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