CAPTIVATING 'TUNER' KICKS OFF KILCULLEN CINEMA SEASON

The Autumn film season at Kilcullen Bridge Cinema kicks off on Tuesday next, 15 September, with the intriguing crime thriller Tuner, directed by Daniel Roher. Known for his Oscar-winning documentary Navalny, Roher makes his narrative-feature debut with this film, which blends music, romance, and safe-cracking into a unique story. Despite following familiar crime conventions, Tuner stands out due to its unusual premise, strong performances, and distinctive sound-driven storytelling.

The film stars Leo Woodall as Niki White, a gifted piano tuner with hyperacusis, allowing him to listen to and open safes. Dustin Hoffman plays Harry Horowitz, Niki’s mentor and a beloved figure among New York City’s piano owners. Woodall’s charisma and Hoffman’s relaxed charm create a captivating on-screen chemistry, with their relationship providing much of the film’s emotional appeal. The unhurried scenes of Niki and Harry in their worn-out van, sharing stories, are particularly delightful.

Written by Robert Ramsey, the film features amusing and witty dialogue, creating an easy, unforced drama that mixes romcom moments with a relaxed crime thriller vibe. A tentative romance develops when Niki meets talented young pianist Ruthie, played by Havana Rose Liu, during a tuning job. This unlikely pairing introduces a conflict between Niki’s side hustle and the prospect of a more fulfilling future.

Tuner is a beautifully and stylishly crafted film about beautiful and stylish things: pianos, watches, concertos, and safes. It is elegantly shot with a complex and eclectic soundtrack. The Irish Examiner praised it as “Smart, emotionally intelligent and sharply scripted, Tuner is a slow-burn thriller that sucks you in from the start and never lets go.”

Tickets for Tuner are priced at €7 and are available for purchase at Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, and on Eventbrite.

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