CODA: A conventional feel-good family movie with triumphant representation

CODA (also an abbreviation of Children of Deaf Adults) by Sian Heder (2021) is a rather heart-warming story of a bizarre deaf family and the undying yet ironic love the sole hearing member–Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones)–has for music and her family. Ruby is the youngest of the Rossis, yet she bears an enormous responsibility not only as a bridge between her family and the hearing world, but also as the shield who stands up against fellow fishermen and authorities who belittle them. Oscillating between two worlds since childhood, Ruby stumbles upon another fork road when she discovers her blossoming love for music–something her family would never understand. Not long after her music teacher, “Mr.V”, recognizes her talent and puts her in a rigorous vocal training, the infant family fishing business gets suspended–and the blame is on Ruby for her absence. Singing is Ruby’s way to “find her voice” and mark her presence, but her altruism and loyalty always win over. The complicated family situation and perfect mix of fragility and sturdiness in Ruby’s personality, though, raises a tough call of who to side with and how to feel. Nevertheless, Heder’s decision of centering the narrative around Ruby’s road to achieving her youthful dreams and the lovely dynamic of the Rossis is a fresh approach that plays with the strings of our hearts.

The plot is painfully conventional, almost reminiscent of a Netflix teen series: a tough and socially-awkward girl caught between responsibilities and ambition–so what makes it worth an Oscar win? The powerful representation of deaf cast on screen, which the original film (La Famille Belier) failed to do, would be a reasonable answer. Most importantly, it successfully absorbs us into “their world”. Through the silent, yet “boisterous” conversation over the Rossis’ dining table, we learn how emotions could be conveyed and felt through bodily motions and facial expressions instead of speech. Despite the disconcerting silence that isolates us even when Frank (Troy Katsur) throws comical jokes, we cannot help but to sit and observe, as how most deaf people would struggle understanding “normal” conversations. The climax takes place on the day of Ruby’s choir performance, where amid her sweet duet with her crush, the sound abruptly fades and the focus is raked to her parents who seem to struggle in finding the joy of the moment due to being deaf. Through the silence and close ups of Frank’s stern face, we come to resonate with his frustration. Towards the end of the movie, however, we cannot help but also shed tears while Ruby serenades Frank under the night sky, finally “feeling” his daughter’s beautiful voice.

CODA is a soul-stirring, comfort family movie, with a raw and unique portrayal of a deaf family and a Coda that highlights the importance of representation and inclusivity of the deaf community.