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Master Rank #209

Sound of Metal

2019

GCML Total8.9640% Greatness · 40% Engagement · 20% Ease

Directed by Darius Marder

CastRiz Ahmed · Olivia Cooke · Paul Raci

USAEnglishDrama / Music120 minR
GCML CuratedNarrative FeatureModerate pace
Find Where to Watch
Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List
Oscar · 2BAFTA · 2

Spoiler-free premise

A touring drummer’s life changes abruptly when he begins losing his hearing.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Metal drummer Ruben tours with singer and partner Lou until sudden hearing loss disrupts their performances and sobriety. He enters a rural Deaf community led by Joe, where daily routines challenge his conviction that hearing must be restored.

Why it belongs

Sound of Metal deploys subjective sound and Riz Ahmed's disciplined physicality to make hearing loss a crisis of identity, control, and attention.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Sound repeatedly shifts among external silence, distorted internal vibration, and assisted hearing, placing viewers near Ruben's changing perception. Riz Ahmed's drumming-trained body and guarded stillness make adaptation visible before language catches up.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20
Academy Awards2 wins2021 · official ceremony record ↗

Plus 2 additional wins

No headline-category win to name

BAFTA2 wins2021 · official BAFTA 2021 Film Awards results ↗

Plus 2 additional wins

No headline-category win to name

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

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Date NightFilm Club
Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

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