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Teenagers often feel like the odd man out—like they just don’t fit in with other kids their age, like they’re just so different from the rest of their family. For the teenager in CODA, that’s quite obviously the case. And the film follows her journey to embrace her differences and follow her dreams.
CODA stars Emilia Jones as Ruby, the only hearing person in her family—a Child of Deaf Adults. All her life, she’s acted as interpreter for her family, connecting her parents and older brother to the hearing community. And each morning, she rises before dawn to go out on the family’s fishing boat and bring in the day’s catch before going on to school. When Ruby discovers a passion for singing, she begins to dream of a different life: one where she can pursue her own passions. But she fully understands that it could be disastrous for her family’s already struggling business.
As Ruby works with her choir teacher to find her voice, she tries to juggle both sides of her life: her new passion for music and her dedication to her family and their needs—especially as they begin a new business venture. And those opposing forces make it difficult for her to choose her path.
Of course, this film feels distinctive because of its story about a deaf family—and the casting of deaf actors. The cast (both hearing and deaf) is absolutely remarkable—and I can only hope that this film will spark a rise in roles for differently-abled actors. These characters offer a different perspective—one that, at times, is incredibly moving. But they’re also funny—constantly joking, having inappropriate conversations, and swiping through Tinder at the dinner table.
Really, though, this isn’t just a story about a teenager in a deaf family; it’s a story about kids in any family. Despite their differences, this family faces the same challenges that many others do. Ruby has spent her whole life defining herself by her family—how she’s different, how they depend on her, how her life revolves around their needs. But the film follows her journey to figure out who she is—and who she wants to be—not just in relationship to the people around her. And her struggle to find her place—along with her family’s struggle to understand her needs—makes for a powerful coming-of-age story.
Ruby’s journey is filled with laughter and drama. It’s moving and relatable and memorable—a beautiful story about family and finding your own way. It may be about a teenage girl, but it’s a film that all ages can appreciate.
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