Amazon Studios has acquired the U.S. rights to Riz Ahmed’s “Sound of Metal,” an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.
“Sound of Metal” is Darius Marder’s feature film directorial debut, and he also wrote the script alongside Abraham Marder. The film also stars Olivia Cooke, Mathieu Amalric, Lauren Ridloff, and Paul Raci.
“Sound of Metal” premiered last Friday at the Toronto International Film Festival and currently sits with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Amazon is planning a theatrical release.
“Sound of Metal” received rave reviews out of the festival, particularly for Ahmed, who plays a heavy metal noise drummer who is on the verge of going deaf. The more he pummels out beats alongside his girlfriend and bandmate (Cooke), his condition worsens, and he begins to reevaluate his place in the band and in the world.
Marder is the co-writer of “The Place Beyond the Pines,” the 2012 thriller starring Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper from director Derek Cianfrance, who is a frequent writing partner with Marder.
“Sound of Metal” is produced by Caviar’s Bert Hamelinck and Sacha Ben Harroche, alongside Kathy Benz and Bill Benz.
CAA Media Finance brokered the deal with Amazon Studios on behalf of the filmmakers. Marder, Ahmed, Cooke, Amalric, and Cianfrance are all represented by CAA. Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales.
Brian Welk contributed to this report.