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Music drama

Sound of Metal (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Sound of Metal (2020) movie poster

Sound of Metal is a 2020 music drama directed by Darius Marder, starring Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone, Olivia Cooke and Paul Raci. It runs 2 hours and earned $516,520 worldwide on a $5.4 million budget. It won 2 Oscars, including Film Editing and Sound, and 9 awards in all. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating
7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$516.5K
Oscars won
2
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Sound of Metal (2020) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h (120 min)
Director
Darius Marder
Genres
Drama , Music
Original language
English
Budget
$5.4M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Sound of Metal About?

The premise of Sound of Metal without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A punk-metal drummer named Ruben experiences a sudden and devastating loss of hearing, jeopardizing his music career and sense of self. He enters a sober house for the deaf, where he begins to find community and a new direction. While learning to accept his situation, Ruben wrestles with the desire to reclaim his former life and the challenges of adapting to a world he no longer understands.

Sound of Metal Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • drug addict
  • deaf community
  • anger
  • hearing loss
  • vietnam war veteran
  • cochlear implant
  • rv
  • boyfriend girlfriend relationship
  • sign language
  • deaf musician
  • promise
  • birthday
+38 more
  • tattoo
  • drummer
  • deaf man
  • deafness
  • rock band
  • rock performance
  • band performance
  • heavy metal band
  • pop music duo
  • hearing test
  • airstream trailer
  • music tour
  • hearing dog
  • speech recognition software
  • deaf teaching
  • learning sign language
  • teaching job
  • surgery
  • paris france
  • father daughter relationship
  • reunion
  • rock concert
  • female singer
  • female musician
  • workout
  • push ups
  • redheaded woman
  • drinking a smoothie
  • recreational vehicle
  • reference to jeff goldblum
  • parking lot
  • pharmacist
  • man wears a tank top
  • alcoholic
  • panic attack
  • chain link fence
  • diner
  • sludge metal
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Cast & crew

Sound of Metal Cast & Characters

Riz Ahmed leads the cast as Ruben Stone, with Olivia Cooke as Lou and Paul Raci as Joe. Directed by Darius Marder; 17 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Sound of Metal

· 13 more
From the director

More from Darius Marder

More films directed by Darius Marder, best-rated first: Loot and Sound of Metal.

Full filmography
Ratings

Sound of Metal Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Sound of Metal 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).

80 /100

Sound of Metal Echo Score Breakdown

The film succeeds largely on its immersive portrayal of disability and the lead performance. Critics and audiences commend its nuanced direction and emotional depth, though some note the deliberate pacing as uneven and the narrative’s ambiguity as disquieting. Observers highlight the authentic sound design and the coherent visual tone that supports the protagonist’s journey. While the measured pacing and thoughtful refusal of simplistic resolutions may challenge some viewers, the film’s resonant portrayal and sustained engagement result in a compelling experience.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film employs a restrained visual language that underscores the protagonist’s isolation. The production design favors a muted palette and sparse settings, reinforcing the thematic focus on sensory loss. Editing choices are deliberate, with measured cutting that accentuates moments of silence and tension. This cohesion of visual craft ensures the imagery aligns with the emotional trajectory throughout.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to acting and emotional resonance, the lead performance delivers a nuanced portrayal of grief and adaptation. The supporting cast is given space to convey subtle reactions, contributing to the film’s authentic interpersonal dynamics. Character depth emerges through quiet moments rather than expository dialogue, fostering an empathetic connection. Overall, the film’s emotive performances anchor its central themes with clarity.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the narrative unfolds in a linear fashion that emphasizes emotional stakes. While some viewers find the deliberate pacing and ambiguous resolution challenging, others appreciate the thoughtful avoidance of formulaic catharsis. The storyline is original in its refusal to treat disability as a flaw to be cured, though occasional tonal unevenness can disrupt engagement. Ultimately, the narrative maintains thematic clarity despite its measured flow.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Regarding the soundtrack and sound design, the film excels in creating an immersive auditory experience that mirrors the protagonist’s shifting perception. Moments of calibrated silence are juxtaposed with diegetic music, heightening tension and empathy. Visually, a cohesive style combines close framing with naturalistic lighting to draw attention to sensory detail. This integrated approach to audio-visual design reinforces the film’s exploration of perception.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    When considering replay value, the film’s layered soundscape and understated visual motifs reveal additional nuances upon subsequent viewings. The restrained pacing allows viewers to notice small emotional cues that may be overlooked initially. While the deliberate narrative style may not appeal to all, those invested in the thematic depth will find fresh interpretive angles each time. Consequently, the film offers enduring appeal for audiences drawn to its subtle complexities.

Plot

Sound of Metal Plot Summary

What happens in Sound of Metal from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ruben, a passionate drummer of the metal duo Blackgammon alongside his girlfriend, Lou, embarks on a tumultuous journey. Living in an RV as they travel the country for performances, Ruben’s world is upended when he begins to experience sudden hearing loss. His desperate quest for answers leads him to a pharmacy, where the pharmacist directs him to a doctor. The hearing test reveals a staggering reality: Ruben can only comprehend about 20-30 percent of speech, and his condition is set to worsen rapidly. Though cochlear implants could potentially restore his hearing, their exorbitant cost and lack of insurance coverage pose significant obstacles.

Full summary

The whole story of Sound of Metal, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Sound of Metal Box Office & Budget

Sound of Metal grossed $516,520 worldwide on a $5.4 million budget, 10% of what it cost.

2020 box office

Worldwide gross

$516.5K

10% of its budget back

International
$516.5K
Budget
$5.4M
Awards

Sound of Metal Awards & Nominations

Sound of Metal won 2 Oscars, including Film Editing and Sound, and 9 awards in all. Its biggest night was the Spirit Awards 2021, with 3 wins from 3 nominations.

9 wins22 nominations8 ceremonies

Show all 8 ceremonies
Videos

Sound of Metal Trailers & Videos

14 videos: 1 trailer, 1 teaser, 3 clips and 9 featurettes.

All 14 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Coming Soon to Theaters and Prime Video
  • Clip Oscar Worthy Moments from Sound of Metal
  • Clip Ruben Finds Out the Extent of His Hearing Loss
  • Clip Ruben's First Consultation
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Sound of Metal?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What musical instrument does Ruben play?

Cars

Cars in Sound of Metal

19 cars on screen, including the 1984 Airstream 345 and the 1983 Ford Club Wagon.

All 19 cars
  • 1984 Airstream 345 in Sound of Metal 1984 Airstream 345 Main role
  • 1983 Ford Club Wagon in Sound of Metal 1983 Ford Club Wagon Minor role
  • 2002 Toyota Camry in Sound of Metal 2002 Toyota Camry Minor role
  • 2016 Audi A6 C7 in Sound of Metal 2016 Audi A6 C7 Background role
Details

Sound of Metal Also Known As

29 alternative titles, including “El sonido del metal” and “O Som do Silêncio”.

Also known as
  • El sonido del metal
  • O Som do Silêncio
  • Звук металла
  • Zvuk metala
  • Zvuk kovu
  • 金屬之聲
  • A metál csendje
  • 사운드 오브 메탈
  • Մետաղի Ձայնը
  • 金属之声
  • Zvuk metalu
  • 靜寂的鼓手
+17 more
  • Metalin Sesi
  • צלילי המטאל
  • Ήχος από Μέταλλο
  • Звук металу
  • เสียงที่หายไป
  • O Som do Metal
  • Metāla skaņa
  • Metalo garsas
  • Без звуци в живота
  • Tiếng Gọi Của Metal
  • Le son du silence
  • サウンド・オブ・メタル ~聞こえるということ~
  • صدای متال
  • Metalli heli
  • Zvok metala
  • साउंड ऑफ़ मेटल
  • Sunetul metalului

Seen Sound of Metal?

FAQ

Sound of Metal FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Sound of Metal, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Sound of Metal?

Sound of Metal runs 2 hours (120 minutes).

When was Sound of Metal released?

Sound of Metal was released on November 20, 2020.

Who directed Sound of Metal?

Sound of Metal was directed by Darius Marder.

More films by Darius Marder

Who is in the cast of Sound of Metal?

Sound of Metal stars Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone, Olivia Cooke as Lou and Paul Raci as Joe, among 17 credited actors.

How much did Sound of Metal make at the box office?

Sound of Metal grossed $516,520 worldwide on a budget of $5.4 million.

How is Sound of Metal rated?

Sound of Metal has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic and 77% on TMDB.

What awards did Sound of Metal win?

Sound of Metal won 9 awards from 22 nominations, including Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards 2021.

Does Sound of Metal have a post-credit scene?

No. Sound of Metal has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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