Movie Review: CODA (2021)

A Heartfelt Masterpiece That Deserved Every Award

CODA is more than just a film; it’s an emotional journey that takes you through laughter, tears, and moments of profound joy. This Academy Award-winning gem beautifully blends humor, drama, and music to tell a deeply moving story about family, identity, and dreams.

A Story That Resonates

At its core, CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) is a coming-of-age drama centered around Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), the only hearing member of a deaf family. Torn between her love for music and her deep-rooted connection to her family, Ruby faces the difficult choice of following her passion or staying to support her parents and brother in their fishing business. The film’s exploration of identity, belonging, and sacrifice makes it universally relatable.

A Bollywood Connection: CODA and Khamoshi

As someone raised on Bollywood films, CODA instantly reminded me of Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut film. Both movies share a strikingly similar premise—a deaf-mute family with a daughter blessed with a melodious voice. In Khamoshi, Manisha Koirala’s character finds strength in love, much like Ruby in CODA.

However, the similarities end there. Khamoshi delves into themes of religious and cultural differences, whereas CODA places music at the heart of its emotional conflict. Here, music is not just a passion but an intrinsic contrast to Ruby’s family’s silent world. This makes CODA a more profound exploration of sound, silence, and the emotional weight they carry.

Powerful Performances That Make the Film Shine

Many films can coast by on a strong script even if the acting is average. Not CODA. This film relies heavily on its performances, and every actor delivers with astonishing depth.

• Emilia Jones is phenomenal as Ruby, capturing the struggles of a teenager balancing familial obligations with her personal aspirations.
• Troy Kotsur (who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor) delivers a career-defining performance as Ruby’s father, bringing humor and raw emotion in equal measure.
• Marlee Matlin and Daniel Durant add layers of authenticity and warmth, portraying Ruby’s loving but protective parents. The decision to cast deaf actors in deaf roles adds an unmatched level of realism and emotional depth.

Exceptional Writing and Direction

Sian Heder’s screenplay and direction elevate the film beyond a typical coming-of-age drama. The balance between humor and poignant moments feels natural, and the storytelling through sign language, facial expressions, and body language is masterfully done. The film’s quieter moments speak volumes, making every emotion hit even harder.

Breathtaking Cinematography and Music

Visually, CODA is a stunning film. Cinematographer Paula Huidobro captures the beauty of Gloucester, Massachusetts, while immersing the audience in the Rossi family’s world. The editing by Geraud Brisson ensures a seamless flow between the film’s emotional highs and lows.

With fewer spoken words, the music score by Marius de Vries plays a crucial role in the storytelling. Every song, particularly the ones Ruby sings, is chosen with purpose, amplifying the film’s emotional impact.

A Case Study in Representation

Beyond its touching family dynamic, CODA sets a new benchmark for how the deaf and mute community can be represented in mainstream cinema. The decision to cast deaf actors in significant roles is a game-changer, proving that authentic representation brings a depth to storytelling that cannot be replicated. The film doesn’t just showcase the struggles of the deaf community—it celebrates their lives, joys, and bonds in a way that feels deeply respectful and genuine.

The concert scene, where Ruby’s parents experience her performance through silence, is one of the most poignant moments in cinema. It encapsulates the emotional divide yet unbreakable connection between Ruby and her family. This movie will undoubtedly stand as a case study for filmmakers worldwide on how to authentically portray and include the deaf and mute community in storytelling.

A Must-Watch Masterpiece

Seldom does a film come along that leaves you with a bittersweet smile through tears. CODA is one such rare gem—an unforgettable cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With its stellar performances, heartfelt storytelling, and breathtaking visuals, it deserved every bit of its Academy Award for Best Picture.

If you haven’t watched CODA yet, don’t wait any longer. It’s a celebration of love, family, and finding your voice amidst life’s challenges. Coda is available on APPLE TV.

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