Every week, many movies are released in both theatres and online. Because of this, it can be difficult to stand out amongst the crowd. One such example of this is the recently released Tuner, a movie directed by Daniel Roher. A pleasant thriller infused with quality characters, this is a film that flew under the radar but is certainly worth watching.

A talented piano tuner has his life upended when he discovers an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes. The film stars Leo Woodall with a supporting cast that includes Havana Rose Liu, Tovah Feldshuh, Lior Raz, and Dustin Hoffman.

Written by Daniel Roher and Robert Ramsey, Tuner may not blow anyone away, but its excellence across many areas of filmmaking makes it a notable feature in today’s cinematic landscape. This story has been carefully crafted to deliver a unique idea through the lens of believably human characters. Leo Woodall and Havana Rose Liu convey simple yet effective performances. Neither are flashy, nor do they need to be, as this feature thrives in its quieter sequences.

One of the most surprising elements of Tuner is the way it presents the uncommon affliction of hyperacusis (an increased sensitivity to sound). As a storytelling device, this is a brilliant character feature that shines a light on a fairly unknown disorder. This element plays well into many thrilling sequences that not only push the narrative forward but also round out the film’s protagonist.

Although this film has many positives, two notable negatives must be brought up. The first is the fact that the movie’s villains are about as cliché as they come. The second is the story’s ending. There appears to be an extra act bolted onto the narrative. While this portion does offer some good moments, its inclusion feels largely unnecessary.

Tuner is a quality release that deserves more attention than it is getting. It might not be perfect, but this film can be recommended due to its central concept, likeable characters and impressive direction.