Tuner (2025)

A piano tuner so sensitive to sound that he wears ear protection all day turns out to be a world-class safecracker, and Tuner somehow sells that. What it can’t sell is the last act, when the crime plot stacks up far-fetched turns and loses its cool. Leo Woodall is excellent as Niki, a gifted pianist who can’t play anymore, and he makes the quiet scenes of him listening to a lock feel like music. Dustin Hoffman is a joy as Harry, his mentor, and the movie gets a little worse every time he’s off screen, which is a lot. Havana Rose Liu gives Ruthie, the driven young pianist Niki falls for, real spark and some sharp edges. Lior Raz makes Uri a crook who sounds perfectly reasonable right up until he doesn’t. It made $14.6 million worldwide on a reported $7M. A 7.6 because the romance and the music are lovely and the heist stuff is shakier. $80.41 says you press your ear to a locked drawer tonight and turn the knob very slowly, just to see.

What works: Woodall and Hoffman are a delight together, and the scenes of Niki listening his way into a safe are gorgeous.

What doesn’t: The crime plot gets far-fetched in the third act, and Hoffman isn’t on screen nearly as much as you’d want.

Who it’s for: People who like their heist movies small, warm and full of piano.