Dir: Darius Marder, 2019, USA, 120 min, Cert: CLUB Singer-songwriter Steve Earle wrote that transcendence means being still long enough to know when it's time to move on. Words to live by - and ones that come to mind watching Sound of Metal. This debut tour de force from director and co-writer Darius Marder drops the viewer at the crossroads in a young man's life. Ruben (Riz Ahmed) is the drummer in noise rock duo Blackgammon. Singer-guitarist Lou (Olivia Cooke) is also his partner. Their world is the stage and their camper van, another couple proving that there are a million ways to live and, seemingly, living their best lives in transit. The crushing reality that plans and dreams can change in an instant visits Ruben and Lou after a show: his hearing all but disappears. Bravado and denial kick in, but the plates in Ruben and Lou's personalities, and relationship, have also started to shift. This is as soul-stirring a film as any in this year's Oscar shake-up; a study of identity and deaf culture brimming with wisdom about what we share and, also, face alone. Through its use of sound and silence, things said and unspoken it sets Marder up as a director for the long haul; joins Mogul Mowgli, The Night Of and Shifty on the list of must-see Ahmed performances and, in his co-star Paul Raci, gives us the joyous experience of a journeyman actor delivering the performance of a hitherto below-the-radar career. This event will go ahead based on Government guidelines regarding venue capacity in respect of Covid 19. Tickets are strictly limited early booking is advised. Tickets MUST be pre-booked / No walk-ups. For the membership admission of €5 please call box office on 0504 90204. Tue-Fri 10am-5pm only, Memberships cannot be processed on the night / (Membership €15 per annum) *Patrons should note that they may be required to have a Covid Certificate and ID with them to secure admission.