Sound of Metal - Characters & Cast

To cure his deafness so he can return to his music and save his relationship with Lou.

Starts as a frantic denier trying to claw back his past life. He goes through a 'dark night of the soul' in the deaf community, relapses into the 'fixing' mindset by getting surgery, and finally achieves a spiritual awakening by accepting silence.

To provide a sanctuary for deaf addicts where they can learn to treat their deafness as a valid way of being, not a defect.

Joe remains a steady, unmoving force. He welcomes Ruben, offers him a path to salvation, and firmly lets him go when Ruben chooses the path of 'fixing.' He serves as the moral compass of the film.

Initially to survive with Ruben; later, to find her own peace and heal from her past trauma.

Begins as a codependent partner surviving on the road. After separating from Ruben, she reconnects with her father and discovers her own stability and identity, ultimately outgrowing the relationship.