- Starring
- Emilia Jones, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Marlee Matlin
- Writer
- Sian Heder
- Director
- Sian Heder
- Rating
- n/a
- Running Time
- 111 minutes
- Release Date
- n/a
Overall Score
Rating Summary
This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Sundance Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.
We have now reached the crow-pleasing portion of the festival with CODA, This heart-warming indie drama may not bring anything new to the table in terms of story but this coming-of-age story hits the right notes as an empathetic and hopeful portrayal of the disabled in America. Nevertheless, viewers are sure to feel good as the film gives us a easily rootable main character to guide us through a compelling journey of overcoming adversity and making something out of one’s self. That conflict was a complicated one as its significance here set it apart from other similar stories. This film tells the story of Ruby Rossi (Jones), the only hearing child in a deaf family who seeks to pursue her love of music though that dream was held back by her family’s reliance on her to be their interpreter thus their connection to the outside world while that reliance arguably held her back from a normal childhood.
Coming on the heels of Sound of Metal. that deaf perspective was important in CODA as Ruby’s family was just like any other dysfunctional family with the same issues and quirks more or less. However, they weren’t always seen that way by a community that felt alien to them. Despite this, the Rossis still found a way to make it work though it was clear that this wasn’t going to last forever and they would have to adapt. Ruby’s passion left her at a crossroads between music and her love for her family, however. That inner conflict and the strain it put on her was powerful to watch as viewers can’t help but want both to succeed in the end. Ultimately, the best part of the film and what makes it work was Jones’ stellar performance as Ruby. Her charisma and likability ground the film.
At the end of the day, CODA is a beautiful and compassionate drama that tells an important story about representation.
still courtesy of Sundance
If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.
The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.
