“CODA” stands for Child of Deaf Adults in the Apple TV+ heart-warming drama that hit the streamer this weekend. Growing up in a deaf family, Ruby (Emilia Jones) has lived most of her life as her family’s interpreter, advisor and protector. But with a looming high school graduation on the horizon, Ruby must decide whether or not she should leave her family to pursue her own dreams.
Beautifully written and carefully executed, “CODA” made headlines earlier this Spring when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Not only did it earn audience-wide praise, it also took home the coveted Grand Jury Prize for U.S. Drama. While the film is totally deserving of its recognition, it was met with a general skepticism for viewers that hadn’t had a chance to experience the movie before its August release. The winner of the Sundance Film Festival usually goes to different variation of film, not necessarily a coming-of-age story. Past winners have been 2019’s “Clemency” and 2020’s “Minari,” both films that went on to be nominated at the Oscar’s and even winning in some key categories.
After watching the entirety of the film this weekend, I am one of the converted fans who not couldn’t help but feel a strong, protective emotion around Ruby and her family. Ruby is the youngest child and the only non-deaf person in her family. Since she was old enough to talk, she has acted as her family’s interpreter, becoming completely necessary to their interactions with the outside world as she bridges the gap between their languages. While her family didn’t consciously hold her back, her involvement in their lives became too dependent to operate functionally without her.
Ruby had always put the needs of her family first, herself second. But as her senior year approaches, on a whim she signs up for the School Choir where she not only shocks her fellow classmates and teacher (Eugenio Derbez), with her voice, it also opens the door to future opportunities to pursue music away at college. Torn between her talent and the desire to help her family, she attempts to straddle the line. But when her family’s fishing business is at risk of suspension and the looming threat against her family’s lifestyle, she feels she has to make a choice between pursuing her passion and helping her family.
What makes the film even more beautiful and heart-warming was the use of three deaf actors stepping into the shoes of Ruby’s family. All three actors are including her father (Troy Kotsur), mother (Marlee Matlin) and brother (Daniel Durant) and provide an introspective look at what it’s like to be a member of the deaf community.
While the film may feel formulaic, you might even guess ahead at the ending, it is so genuine, it works. By the end of the film, there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Excited to hear the discourse surrounding this movie now that it is released, hoping that it keeps up its momentum as we head into 2022 Award Season.
“CODA” is now streaming on Apple TV+.
Movie Score: 8/10
And that’s the sitch.
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