Why 'Tuner,' the Overlooked Crime Thriller Starring a 'White Lotus' Star, Deserves Your Attention on Paramount+

British actor Leo Woodall, known for his breakout roles in HBO’s 'The White Lotus' and Netflix’s 'One Day,' has been steadily building an impressive filmography. Beyond his high-profile television success and recent appearances in the fourth 'Bridget Jones' installment and the Anthony Bourdain biopic 'Tony,' he delivered a stellar performance that unfortunately slipped under the radar earlier this year. That film is the crime thriller 'Tuner.'

A Unique Premise

Directed by Daniel Roher, 'Tuner' follows the story of Niki White (Woodall), a talented but struggling New York City apprentice piano tuner. Niki’s life takes a drastic turn due to his condition, hyperacusis—an intense 'allergy to noise' that prevents him from pursuing his dreams as a professional pianist. In a twist of fate, Niki realizes his hyper-sensitive hearing makes him exceptionally skilled at cracking safes. This unique aptitude draws him into the orbit of a local criminal organization, led by his mentor and father figure, Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman).

Character-Driven Tension

What sets 'Tuner' apart from typical crime capers is its intimate scale. Instead of focusing on massive, world-ending stakes, the film emphasizes the deeply personal relationships between Niki, his mentor Harry, and his budding love interest, Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu). The emotional investment in these characters makes the stakes feel incredibly high, particularly as the dangerous criminal underworld begins to jeopardize Niki's fragile personal life.

Why It’s a Must-Watch

Leo Woodall delivers a powerhouse performance, capturing the bitterness of a young man whose true potential was stunted by his condition. Dustin Hoffman is equally magnetic as the seasoned veteran of the craft. With a 94% critic score and a 93% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been hailed for its smart writing, vivid characterizations, and brilliant sound design, which subtly reflects Niki’s sensory experiences.

'Tuner' successfully balances tense heist sequences with a melancholy, character-focused narrative. It is now streaming on Paramount+, making it the perfect time to discover this under-appreciated gem.