Drama United States of America,Belgium
The movie "Sound of Metal" follows the story of Ruben Stone, an enthusiastic drummer who leads a nomadic life performing in a heavy metal band called Blackgammon, alongside his girlfriend, Lou. However, Ruben's life takes an unexpected turn when he begins to experience severe hearing loss.
As Ruben finds it increasingly difficult to ignore his deteriorating condition, he visits a doctor who informs him that he has significant hearing damage and his condition will only worsen. The doctor suggests that Ruben should consider getting cochlear implants, but due to their high cost, Ruben feels lost and uncertain about his future.
Knowing that his hearing loss will prevent him from pursuing his passion for music, Ruben reluctantly agrees to join a deaf community called the Deaf Cultural Center, led by Joe, a veteran who helps those dealing with hearing loss. Initially resistant and frustrated by the deaf community, Ruben finds solace in learning sign language and adjusting to a new way of life.
During his time at the center, Ruben befriends a young deaf girl named Diane and gradually embraces the sense of community and stability provided by Joe and the other residents. However, Ruben's desire to go back to his old life and reconnect with Lou continues to linger. He becomes fixated on finding a way to afford the cochlear implants, hoping that they will enable him to regain his former life and his love for music.
Ruben's relentless pursuit of the implants leads him to sell his RV, a symbol of his previous life on the road, to finance the expensive surgery. After the operation, Ruben is hopeful that he can finally return to his music career and reunite with Lou. However, the implants provide only limited success, leaving Ruben disillusioned and realizing that his attempt to regain his old life was futile.
Ultimately, Ruben must come to terms with his new reality and navigate his way through a world of silence. Through the support of the deaf community and his own personal journey, he discovers that true acceptance lies in embracing his deafness and finding a new path forward.
"Sound of Metal" explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the resilience of the human spirit. It offers an intimate and powerful portrayal of a musician's struggle to adapt to a world of silence while showcasing the beauty and strength of the deaf community.