Sound of Metal 2020

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.

The doctor insists that to preserve what little hearing he has left, Ruben must avoid loud noises and undergo further evaluations after some time. Yet, despite this grim prognosis, he is unyielding in his desire to continue performing. When Lou learns of his condition, she is adamant that they should stop their gigs for his safety. However, Ruben’s determination prevails, even as Lou remains anxious about his sobriety, given his background as a recovering addict.

They reach out to Hector, Ruben’s sponsor from Narcotics Anonymous, who finds a sanctuary in a rural community for deaf individuals controlled by Joe, a recovering alcoholic who lost his hearing in the Vietnam War. As he prepares to leave Lou behind—since she cannot stay with him there—he remains fixated on getting cochlear implants. Ultimately, Lou’s concern for Ruben’s well-being prompts her to follow him back to the community.

Once in Joe’s care, Ruben begins to immerse himself in his new surroundings. He engages with the other residents, participates in meetings, and gradually adapitates to his life without sound. He not only learns American Sign Language but also bonds with Diane, a teacher, and the children in her class. Through teaching the kids basic drumming, Ruben finds a sense of purpose and connection amidst the silence, while Joe encourages him to embrace this tranquility.

As the church supports his stay, Joe proposes a more permanent arrangement, prompting Ruben to contemplate his future. Struggling with his identity, Ruben checks in on Lou occasionally, only to find she is pursuing her music in Paris. Selling his instruments and RV for the cochlear implant surgery, Ruben reaches a critical juncture. He requests to stay in the community for a few weeks until the implants activate, but Joe denies this, steadfast in the belief that deafness is not a handicap.

When the implants are finally activated, Ruben experiences sound anew, though not in a way he anticipated. Plagued by frustrating feedback, the joyous sounds become irritants as he flies to Belgium to reunite with Lou, now living a different life with her father, Richard. Welcomed by Richard, Ruben attends a gathering where Lou performs alongside her father, but the sound of the implants prevents him from fully enjoying the moment.

Amid reassurances about their shared past, Ruben and Lou discuss the future of their musical aspirations. However, it becomes clear that their time apart has changed them both. As dawn breaks, Ruben makes the poignant decision to leave quietly while Lou sleeps, overwhelmed by the incessant feedback from the cochlear implants. He retreats outside, ultimately choosing to disconnect from the noise and embrace the peaceful silence he once feared.