Playing a thrash drummer grappling with rapid onset hearing loss, Riz Ahmed gives the performance of his career in Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal. With its thoughtful examination of the deaf community and its gripping soundscapes, the film breathes new life into a conventional narrative, delivering a remarkably sensitive cinematic experience. There’s surprising tenderness afoot within Sound of Metal’s emotional tempest, and it makes for one of the best films of the year. Minor spoilers…

Don’t let Homecoming’s sleepy premise dissuade you, Sam Esmail’s new bite-size thriller is incisive, smart, and visually breathtaking. Julia Roberts makes her television debut in Amazon’s new series with a fascinating role that carries the show through its twisty narrative and visual tricks. Refreshing in its easily digestible 30-minute episodes, Amazon’s Homecoming makes for a brisk and satisfying binge. Mild spoilers ahead...