Staying in Tune (CREDIT: Black Bear/Screenshot)
Starring: Leo Woodall, Havana Rose Liu, Dustin Hoffman, Tovah Feldshuh, Lior Raz, Nissan Sakira, Gil Cohen, Jean Reno
Director: Daniel Roher
Running Time: 107 Minutes
Rating: R for Language, Criminals Pushed Over the Edge, and Some Hard Drugs
Release Date: May 22, 2026 (Theaters)
What’s It About?: Niki White (Leo Woodall) once had a promising future as a virtuoso pianist, but then he developed a terrible case of hyperacusis, which basically means he’s allergic to excessive noise. He’s managed to remain in the business of those 88 keys as an apprentice to legendary New York City piano tuner Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman), who’s basically an uncle to him. When Harry ends up in the hospital, Niki resorts to not-exactly-legal means to keep the tuning business afloat and cover Harry’s medical bills, as his preternatural pitch detection skills allow him to become an ace safecracker for a smooth-talking professional thief named Uri (Lior Raz). Niki eventually tries to back out when Uri and his crew cross too many lines, but he’s already in too deep, which isn’t exactly good news when it comes to his budding romance with fellow piano powerhouse Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu) or his own personal safety.
What Made an Impression?: The Leo-ding Man: Woodall has what I would complimentarily refer to as Resting Compelling Sadboy Face. You can read so much into what’s underneath those pores while he’s brooding out a window, and that disposition also means that his different-flavored co-stars in Tuner have plenty to bounce off. So if you want Dustin Hoffman to be charming while also a little too forward, or to feel the heat with Havana Rose Liu, or for Lior Raz to play the dangerous friend, or for Tovah Feldshuh to just deliver some necessary wisdom, well, that’s all going to land comfortably in the space that Woodall provides.
It Really Does Sound Like That Sometimes, Doesn’t It?: While the cast is solid across the board, the creative contributor who leaves the biggest impression besides Woodall is actually composer Will Bates. His propulsive jazz-inflected score captures the rush of what must be going through Niki’s head as he does his best to make it through this bumpy stage in his life. It might be a case of the music telling you exactly how you’re supposed to feel, but I endorse that decision. Certainly in this particular genre.
I Can’t Get Enough: Whenever I think about this movie’s title, I can’t help but say “Too Much Tuner” a la Nick Kroll and John Mulaney’s “Oh, Hello” routine. And the movie itself actually plays into that! Specifically, Harry discusses his affinity for tuna sandwiches, and it’s even revealed that he’s known as the “Tuner Fish.” I don’t know if this allusive ichthyology was intentional on director Daniel Roher and his co-screenwriter Robert Ramsey’s part, but in any case, it absolutely satisfied what I was looking for.
Tuner is Recommended If You Like: The kind of movie that makes you lean forward and politely asks you not to blink
Grade: 4 out of 5 Safes
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