“CODA” almost felt like a film I had seen before. After watching it, I felt as if I had transcended time, back to a familiar place, gathered around the television with my family to watch a movie that mom says “will be great for family bonding.”
When these occasions would take place, I’d typically be left with the same feelings. The smile on my face and sense of happiness and comfort would soon fade as I rushed to my bedroom to do whatever else and forget about the movie within hours.
This time, it was different.
Though cringey at times and fairly cliche, my heart felt much warmer than it ever had after watching “CODA,” especially compared to the other feel-good and coming-of-age stories that this one so closely follows the recipe of.
As a child of deaf adults, or “CODA” for short, a lot of responsibilities fall on the shoulders of 17 year-old Ruby, played by Emilia Jones. After enrolling in chorus at school, Ruby’s newfound passion for music is hindered by her fear of abandoning her deaf parents and brother. When her family’s fishing business becomes threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between the comfort of serving her family and chasing her dreams.
It quickly becomes evident just how much Ruby’s family needs her. In one scene, when her brother and father are out fishing without her because she’s rehearsing, they are unable to hear a call from the Coast Guard over the radio and their fishing license is ultimately suspended.
Demonstrated in a discussion between Jackie, her mother, and Frank, her father, you grow to understand how much Ruby has always been relied on by her family and just how scared they are of letting her go. When Jackie signs to Frank that Ruby is her baby and she’s scared to let her go, Frank reminds her that Ruby’s never gotten the chance to be a child because she’s always had to serve her family.
Ruby’s dissonant life is reharmonized by the distinct and special relationships she shares with others. A huge reason why this movie is so uplifting is because of the genuine moments the characters share together.
One of the most beautiful scenes of this film is when Ruby sings for her father on the back of their pickup truck. With crickets chirping audibly, Frank and Ruby share a special moment together underneath the stars.
Unable to hear her voice, Frank softly touches her throat to feel the vibrations. Ruby sings “You are All I Need to Get By” to Frank, and explains the song’s meaning to him– just what it means to need someone. This scene was incredibly powerful and leaves the viewer in tears due to the way it alludes to the Rossi’s family dynamic.
Bernardo Villalobos, the inspiring and supportive choir director played by Eugenio Derbez, contributes so much to the story, especially by being the adult figure that helps Ruby reach the potential he sees in her.
Goofy and awkward things this character does, such as extremely exaggerate the pronunciation of his name or hum odd and peculiar vocal warm-ups, is a perfect example of how quirky yet loveable the entire film is.
The use of sound in this film is incredibly powerful and it’s something that sets this movie apart.
The home of a deaf family can be surprisingly loud, and this is hilariously exemplified when Ruby’s trying to do homework and every member of the household other than her is making a substantial amount of noise, but doesn’t even realize it.
At Ruby’s big chorus concert, just as you really get to see how talented of a singer she really is, the sound is purposefully cut out. This powerful and humbling moment gives an incredible example of exactly what it’s like for Frank, Jackie, and her brother Leo who can’t hear her, but can see and feel the pleasure and excitement within the crowd.
There are a few things that hold this movie back. It’s easy to overlook the cringeness and quirkiness in this movie due to how wholesome and sweet it is, however, what’s not easy to overlook is just how predictable and cliche this movie is.
Right as the movie starts, it feels as if you already know the ending. It’s a story we’ve all heard before: someone wants to follow their dreams but something is holding them back, there’s an inspiring adult figure that guides them along their journey, they fall in love along the way, yada yada yada.
Generally speaking, this movie is pretty good and I wouldn’t refuse to sit down to watch it for a second time. That being said, due to its warmth and wholesomeness, it will take much longer than just a few hours for it to slip to the back of my mind.
“CODA” was Directed by Sian Heder and is a PG-13 film that was released in August 2021. “CODA” and its actors raked in many awards, such as Motion Picture of the Year. For more information about this film, click here.
Comments
Post a Comment