CODA

CODA, directed by Sian Heder and released in 2021, is a heartwarming and powerful drama that tells the story of Ruby Rossi, a bright and talented teenager who must navigate the complexities of her deaf family's life and her own aspirations. The film opens with an intimate and unassuming introduction to Ruby's daily life in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Ruby, played by Marlee Matlin's real-life daughter, Emilia Jones, has grown up surrounded by her deaf parents, Frank and Jackie, and her older brother, Leo. Her mother, a proud and strong matriarch, and her father, a skilled fisherman and music lover, are both passionate about their fishing business and their cultural identity. Ruby, who is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), is a different story. She is the only hearing member of the family, and her unique position in the family creates a rich dynamic. Ruby communicates in American Sign Language (ASL) with her parents, but she also lip-reads and speaks in English, which often puts her in a privileged position. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the Rossis' fishing business is in trouble. The boats that they used to work on have been sold, and the Port Commissioner is threatening to remove the last remaining dock in Gloucester, which would leave the family without a livelihood. Frank, who is fiercely passionate about his family's cultural heritage and the fishing business, becomes increasingly agitated and disoriented by the threat to their way of life. Meanwhile, Ruby begins to blossom as a singer. Her love of music is deep-seated, and her talent is undeniable. We see Ruby performing in a high school choir, her voice soaring as she sings with abandon. Her music teacher, Mr. Franco, recognizes her exceptional talent and encourages her to pursue her passion. However, Ruby's pursuit of music creates tension in her family. Her parents are skeptical of her decision to prioritize music over the family business, and they worry that she will abandon them in their time of need. The conflict between Ruby's love of music and her loyalty to her family becomes a central theme of the film. Throughout the story, Ruby struggles to reconcile her desire for independence and self-expression with her responsibilities to her family. She is caught between the old way of life and the new world she is discovering. Her days are filled with anxiety and stress, as she navigates the expectations of her parents and the demands of her own dreams. As the tension in the family builds, Ruby begins to lose touch with her own identity. She becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, unsure of how to make her parents understand her needs and desires. Her relationships with her family members - particularly her deaf mother, Jackie - are strained and painful. She feels caught in the middle, torn between two worlds that seem impossible to reconcile. The film's climax is both poignant and powerful. Ruby's mother, Jackie, faces a new challenge, the severe attack of her and subsequent surgery and medical issues leaves Ruby in a desperate situation to juggle school, helping the family and nurturing her voice. In the end, Ruby's love of music ultimately wins out, but not before she faces hard choices and a tough confrontation with her parents. Ultimately, CODA is a story about love, family, and identity. Ruby's journey is both familiar and extraordinary, and her story will resonate with anyone who has ever felt caught between worlds. The film is a tribute to the Deaf community, which has too often been marginalized and erased from mainstream culture. The portrayal of Ruby's experiences as a CODA is authentic, nuanced, and powerful. As the story draws to a close, we see Ruby emerging as a confident and independent young woman, her music no longer a secret but a source of strength and pride. The film ends with Ruby's performances in the high school choir, her heart full of joy and purpose.