CODA - A Movie Review

Keep on singing. Life’s journey is filled with many surprises.

CODA premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021. As the only hearing member of her deaf family, Ruby wants to pursue her dreams. Torn between her love for music and threats consuming her family’s fishing business, this journey is mind-opening.

When I virtually attended the Sundance Film Festival in the winter, CODA was completely sold out! Experiencing CODA at the Gloucester Cinema was a magnifying experience. Signifying a valuable message about the deaf community, the film encourages audiences to embrace their dreams.

Emelia Jones was magnificent in her performance. In preparation for her role, Jones spent 9 months studying American Sign Language. Ruby does not have it easy. Jones connected to her character, bearing strong emotions.

Her singing voice was impressive. Not letting any roadblocks stand in her way, Ruby’s fierce attitude helps viewers keep on fighting the impossible.

Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur, and Daniel Durant were tremendous. The interactions among the family are the best. They studied their relationship closely. Kotsur especially shared a deep and resonating scene with Jones that will never be forgotten.

As actual deaf actors, their expressions and mannerisms did not miss a beat. The dynamic of the Rossi family is the most integral part of the film. Despite Ruby being the only hearing member, that does not diminish the family’s love for one another.

The best scenes happened with the family. I was laughing out loud most of the time. I liked how the film recognized how they did not have the best social skills. Every family is different.

CODA would not be memorable without the wonderful talents of Amy Forsyth, Ferdier Walshe-Peele, Kevin Chapman, and the unforgettable Eugenie Derbez. Derbez excelled as a music teacher helping all of his students find their talent.

A big shoutout goes to the ensemble. Whether they were fishermen or chorus members, everybody had a significant role in the film. To all communities, spend time investing in one another’s lives instead of mocking them. You never know what you’ll learn.

It has been a long time since I sang with a choir. Watching the choir scenes brought back memories of singing in concerts and having fun. Music lovers, CODA is the film for you. Music has a world of its own. The cast put together wonderful songs. Music brings the world together.

Residents of Gloucester are sure to recognize noteworthy locations. Filmmakers found the best settings to film in, notably the lake. It was a peaceful environment. The fishing sequences were remarkable. Jones actually had to learn to use a fishing trawler.

Sian Heder emphasized a glorifying message in CODA. Heder’s attention to the family’s love is the highlight. Her consideration of detail and editing was another moving portion. One of the most striking features was the direction in the camera focusing on the characters’ faces.

The deaf community is given a resonating representation. On-set interpreters were all CODAs. You can really learn a lot about sign language from this film. We all need to branch out and spread our wings. Try new things, make friends, and learn. Most importantly, accept change.

CODA is the best movie theater experience I have had for a long time now. The excitement that illuminated from the audience was a value. We laughed, were silent, shed tears of happiness during the enriching climax, and gave the film enormous applause.

Whether in theaters or if you see it on Apple TV+, you need to experience CODA. The film is a beautiful masterpiece. I would not give up my movie theater experience for anything.