Sound of Metal

Sound of Metal

Year: 2019

Runtime: 120 mins

Language: English

Director: Darius Marder

DramaMusicMoving relationship storiesHumanity and the world around usPowerful stories of heartbreak and suffering

A heavy metal drummer named Ruben begins to lose his hearing, throwing his career and life into turmoil. Faced with a bleak prognosis from a doctor, and fearing a relapse into addiction, his girlfriend Lou enrolls him in a rehabilitation program for the deaf. There, he finds acceptance and a new way of living, ultimately forcing him to confront a difficult choice between embracing his altered reality and clinging to the life he once knew.

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Timeline & Setting – Sound of Metal (2019)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Sound of Metal (2019). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary (present day)

The story takes place in the modern era, reflecting current medical technology, cultural attitudes towards disability, and the contemporary music scene. The setting emphasizes current issues such as mental health, addiction recovery, and the significance of communication in the 21st century.

Location

Los Angeles, Paris

The movie is primarily set in Los Angeles and Paris, showcasing both American and European urban landscapes. Los Angeles, known for its vibrant music scene and cultural diversity, serves as the backdrop for Ruben’s musical career. Paris, renowned for its artistic heritage and historical significance, provides a contrasting setting emphasizing introspection and personal transformation.

🌇 Urban 🌉 Cosmopolitan 🎶 Artistic hub

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:43

Main Characters – Sound of Metal (2019)

Meet the key characters of Sound of Metal (2019), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Diane (Lauren Ridloff)

Diane is a compassionate deaf woman and sign language teacher who helps Ruben learn to accept his deafness. Her character embodies patience, empathy, and resilience, serving as a guiding figure in Ruben’s journey towards self-acceptance.

🌟 Compassionate 🧏‍♀️ Deaf 🎓 Mentor

Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed)

Ruben is a talented and passionate drummer whose life is disrupted by sudden hearing loss. His character shows stubbornness, vulnerability, resilience, and a desire to reclaim his identity through unconventional paths.

🥁 Musician 🎸 Troubled 💪 Resilient

Lou (Olivia Cooke)

Lou is Ruben’s devoted girlfriend and musical partner, whose support is vital to his recovery. She is caring, pragmatic, and emotionally complex, grappling with letting go and supporting Ruben’s growth.

🎤 Supportive 💔 Complex 🌹 Caring

Joe (Paul Raci)

Joe is a deaf Vietnam War veteran and member of the sober community who guides Ruben in embracing deaf culture. His wisdom and spiritual outlook challenge Ruben’s perceptions of disabilities and personal suffering.

🧓 Veteran 🎖️ Wise 🧘‍♂️ Sober

Richard (Mathieu Amalric)

Richard, Lou’s father, is a songwriter who provides a family perspective and emotional depth to the story. His character reveals the struggles of reconciling with past losses and understanding evolving relationships.

🎼 Musician 🧔 Father 💬 Reflective

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:43

Major Themes – Sound of Metal (2019)

Explore the central themes of Sound of Metal (2019), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛑 Loss and Recovery

The film explores the profound impact of hearing loss on Ruben’s identity and career. It examines how loss can lead to personal growth and redefinition of purpose. The narrative underscores the importance of acceptance, adaptation, and healing in overcoming adversity.

🗣️ Communication

Communication emerges as a central theme, highlighting the barriers faced by deaf or hearing-impaired individuals and the different ways they connect with others. Ruben’s journey underscores the importance of non-verbal communication and understanding beyond words.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:43

Unlock the Full Story of Sound of Metal

Don't stop at just watching — explore Sound of Metal in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Sound of Metal is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Sound of Metal Summary

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Sound of Metal Summary

Sound of Metal Timeline

Track the full timeline of Sound of Metal with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Sound of Metal Timeline

Sound of Metal Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Sound of Metal that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Sound of Metal Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Sound of Metal

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Sound of Metal: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Sound of Metal (2019) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Sound of Metal (2019) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Sound of Metal (2019) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow