Coda is a remake of the 2014 film, La Famille Bélier. It is a heart-warming coming-of-age story about a girl named Ruby, played by the impressive, Emilia Jones, who is part of a deaf family (CODA - child of deaf adults/ also a musical term) yet was born with the ability to hear.
Like most families, there is a certain level of chaos to expect, but for Ruby, she is the glue that is holding her family together. School, working the family fishing business to keep it afloat, and being readily available as the family translator is exhausting. Emotions are hanging by a thread trying to juggle it all.
Ruby's one salvation is taking a leap and joining the choir at school and finding her voice with help of choirmaster, Eugenio Derbez. Her beautiful hidden voice wants to be heard, but she's afraid - afraid of not being good enough. Not only that, but add on dealing with some new unexpected feelings being paired for a duet with classmate Miles, played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (I literally screamed out SING STREET! when I saw him on screen). Ruby's love of music and the possibility to soar to new heights going to a prestigious music school comes at a cost though that she's unsure she can sacrifice.
Fair warning, Coda is surprisingly vulgar at times with its comedic flare which I think some may appreciate and others might be taken aback by. The whole idea of knowing your parents are hot for each other and are still getting it on is kind of an uncomfortable feeling, but there is a hilarity in how it's presented in the film. The acting is terrific and although the predictability factor of the outcome of the movie is obvious, there is a deep empathy felt and a beauty of how the dynamics evolve with the characters, especially Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur, who play Ruby's parents, as well as brother, Leo, played by Daniel Durant.
When you add in the soundtrack with songs by Joni Mitchell, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie and The Clash, it's a beautiful film that deserves applause that has paved the way for more films to be produced and represented in authentic ways that help us learn, grow and embrace who we are.
Some cool facts about Coda:
👉The director, Siân Heder intended on having the roles casted by those in the deaf community, which is pretty awesome and such a huge stride, and getting help with translating 40% of the script into ASL (American Sign Language).
👉Emilia trained for 8 months with a deaf coach who taught her ASL but also about deaf culture and the nuances. Eventually she was able to improvise on-set with her cast members.
Overall, I loved the movie and the message that shone through so brightly that I think we can all agree upon is that there is nothing more powerful than to listen with your heart.
Have you seen Coda yet? Leave me your comments or connect with me through my contact form! I'd love to hear from you.
💜Watch the trailer here: Coda Trailer
💜 Available on Apple Tv
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