Leo Woodall, known for his breakout TV roles in The White Lotus and One Day, dials down his charisma for a gentle performance opposite Dustin Hoffman in the crime thriller Tuner. The film, directed by Oscar-winning documentarian Daniel Roher in his feature debut, follows a pair of New York piano tuners whose relationship becomes the heart of an easy, unforced drama blending romcom moments with a relaxed crime thriller.
Woodall plays Niki, a tuner with exceptionally sensitive hearing who wears earplugs to block out the world. He works for veteran tuner Harry Horowitz, played with irresistible warmth by Hoffman. A running joke sees rich clients treating them like odd-job men, asking them to unblock toilets alongside their highly skilled work.
When Harry forgets his safe combination, Niki discovers he can crack it using his sensitive hearing. He also meets student composer Ruthie (Havana Rose Liu) while tuning a piano at a music conservatory. Their connection builds slowly: Ruthie initially ignores Niki until she realises he has perfect pitch, tapping into an undercurrent of class consciousness.
The story takes predictable turns when Niki meets Uri (Lior Raz), a home security boss with a side hustle robbing clients. However, characters hold surprises, with Uri portrayed as a shrewd psychological manipulator rather than a typical mob psycho. The best moments are unhurried scenes of Niki and Harry in their clapped-out van, shooting the breeze in their own groove.
