And the Best Picture goes to....

“CODA”, which stands for ‘Child of Deaf Adults,” is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama that explores themes of family, love, dreams and obligation.  Directed by Sian Heder, the story unfolds with a seamless flow, capturing this particular family’s dynamics through endearing, often comical, non-verbal interactions.

The film’s plot centers around teenager Ruby, beautifully portrayed by Emilia Jones. As the only hearing member of her deaf family—which includes her father (Troy Kotsur), mother (Marlee Matlin), and brother (Daniel Durant)—Ruby balances her familial duties with her aspiration to attend a music school after graduation. The heart of “CODA” lies in Ruby’s internal struggle between pursuing her dreams and fulfilling her family responsibilities. After all, this is a girl who rises at 3:00 AM to work in her family’s fishing business before attending a full day of high school classes. This theme resonates throughout the film, which also features a sweet teen romance with her music partner, Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) that enhances Ruby’s journey.

At first, I felt that using subtitles would have helped viewers better understand many of the family’s conversations. However, I believe it was a deliberate choice by the director to immerse the audience in the Rossi family’s experience. That being said, it makes the recital scene particularly powerful, as the sound is muted to allow the audience to experience what Ruby’s family goes through in their daily lives, highlighting their hearing impairment.

The audition scene, in which Ruby signs the lyrics to “Both Sides Now” for her family, is not only touching but also deeply moving, adding to the film’s emotional weight—there’s a definite sense of love and family pride, and I dare you not to shed a tear during the performance. 

Speaking of performances, Troy Kotsur won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ruby’s father. (He is the first deaf actor to achieve this honor—Marlee Matlin won Best Actress for “Children of a Lesser God” in 1987).  Eugenio Derbez delivers a standout performance as the cranky music teacher who truly believes in Ruby’s abilities. His role is pivotal as he pushes her to realize her potential, making it all the more surprising that he didn’t receive a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.  Yet Emilia Jones shines in her portrayal of Ruby Rossi, effortlessly capturing the awkwardness of a teenager while showcasing her incredible singing talent. It’s equally surprising that she didn’t receive a nomination for Best Actress. Her dedication is evident, as she took singing lessons, learned to operate a fishing boat, and mastered sign language to prepare for her role.

In a landscape often dominated by films tackling themes of war and racism, “CODA” stands out as a touching reminder of the power of family and the significance of a young woman’s choice to follow her aspirations. Its similarities to “Mr. Holland’s Opus” evoke nostalgic sentiments, but “CODA” carves its own niche in a way that sticks with everyone.