by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Streaming services have begun to set the bar high when it comes to buying the distribution rights to acclaimed independent features. Apple just showed how far they would go to make sure they get a piece of the pie with one of the biggest indie films to ever debut post-festival season. The latest festival drama to hit it big on a streaming service is called CODA. There are plenty of layers when it comes to this film and its title. It is a story about a young woman named Ruby (Emilia Jones), who is the only hearing individual in her family, but she wants nothing more than to be a singer. As a Child of Deaf Adults, this is something her family doesn’t understand. It’s a classic set up for a coming-of-age film.
We have seen so many coming-of-age films in the past, but CODA stands out amongst the pack with its heart. This film is overflowing with heart. Writer-director Sian Heder creates a film that is rich in emotion and human connections. No one will argue that it is purely unique from a narrative standpoint. Heder does lean heavily into standard beats and cliches of the genre — you have that familial tension getting in the way of the young person’s dreams. But this framing and the unique family dynamics make the film shine. The tension that builds between Ruby and her deaf family members is a fresh take on this tired genre. Jones gets to have a rich and poignant moment with each of the actors portraying her family. Do you know how this one will end? Probably… but it really doesn’t matter.
The richly written characters certainly go a long way towards allowing the audience to get past so many cliches and familiar narrative beats. Each character has a unique personality that stands out amongst the rest. The raunchy, yet loving father, to the tough, yet loving mother, to the insecure, yet loyal brother each play their parts for the large story. Ruby is also written as a relatable and sincere character who never feels false in her approach to life and her roadblocks. Throw in a sassy, yet surprisingly supportive music teacher and a few fellow students who bring some fresh perspectives, and you get a well-rounded and thoroughly entertaining collection of characters.
This cast is simply perfect. Jones is a wonderful lead as she brings an awkwardness that is thoroughly relatable and a vulnerability that connects so well with her audience. Star deaf actress, Marlee Matlin, kills it as the matriarch of this family with her subtlety and confidence in her skin. Troy Kotsur is a riot as the raunchy father who also delivers the emotional depth in an incredibly moving scene with her daughter. Daniel Durant is forceful in his choices, which capture the angst behind the brother he portrays. Eugenio Derbez brings the comedic relief and hard-nosed command that Ruby needs to push her towards her dreams. Sing Street alum, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo is a fun addition to the cast as Ruby’s love interest and singing partner.
Even when you have a film with so much emotion and sincerity, you’re still able to find heart. The heartfelt and raw interactions amongst the family really deliver. One mother-daughter connection in Ruby’s bedroom is sweet and quiet in its emotion, while also channeling the fun natures of both characters to provide some laughs as well. Kotsur and Jones share a truly moving moment related to a personal performance that Ruby does for her dad. Then one beach sequence outlines the sibling tensions in the film so well and ends with a heartwarming and meaningful resolution.
What else can I say to sell you on CODA? Hopefully everything up to this point will suffice. This beautiful and sincere film is a crowd pleaser with plenty of emotional depth. This may be a familiar journey along the way, but the way Heder handles the tension among this family when it comes to the fishing life makes it reach above the rest. Meaningful, relatable, and endearing, make sure to experience CODA upon its Apple TV+ release.
Grade: A-