“Coda: signs of the heart”: our review of the 2022 Oscar-nominated film

Translated into Spanish, Coda (child of deaf adults) means: boy/girl raised by deaf parents. The term gives rise to the new Amazon Prime Video drama that has Emilia Jones as the protagonist and the Mexican Eugenio Derbez as a supporting actor.

Directed by Sian Heder, the film tells the story of Ruby Rossi, a teenager who, shortly after finishing school, divides her days between studying and supporting her family of deaf parents (and brother). Unlike her classmates, the protagonist of this story must get up every day at 3 in the morning to go fishing with her family and thus, after selling what she has collected, have money to live on.

Although Ruby initially seems immune to bullying from her schoolmates, who see her as a humble daughter of deaf fishermen, the truth is that the teenager suffers from this situation. And perhaps her only joy at her school is to think about the possibility of joining the choir, directed by Professor Bernardo (Eugenio Derbez).

If something is clear from the beginning of the film, it is that, although she is about to finish school, Ruby has not been able to detach herself even minimally from the family yoke. While she supports them in their fishing tasks, she must act as a sign language interpreter for her parents and brother, defend their economic interests, and also motivate them to get out of the ‘bubble’ in which they seem to protect themselves from their vulnerabilities.

Hearing her beautiful voice, Professor Bernardo advises Ruby to apply for a scholarship at the University of Berklee. From here the film shows a sharp parallel. And it is that, as the protagonist perfects her voice with musical classes and caresses the dream of studying what she loves, her family’s dependence on her becomes uncontrollable. Except for her brother Leo from her (Daniel Durant), nobody wants her to leave her home. “We need you” becomes a resounding phrase that only burdens the young woman with pressure.

It is difficult to try to judge a person who, in the extreme situation in which Ruby lives, must decide between following her dreams or staying in the care of her family. The dilemma at times is as latent as it is heartbreaking. There is, in this sense, a key moment: the day that Ruby rebels and does not go to support her father and brother fishing; they fine her boat and suspend her license.

“Coda” is a musical film, tender and audiovisually correct. On the first, Jones stands out greatly. She is a young actress and the owner of a promising future in film, television and theater. Regarding the latter, the film has absolutely moving moments. Without falling into corny or sentimental exaggeration, it will be impossible not to empathize with a character like Ruby.

But we are not only facing 111 minutes of suffering or regrets. This production also has many moments of relaxation. Without reaching the level achieved in films such as “Man overboard” or “Refunds are not accepted”, Eugenio Derbez does what is necessary to oxygenate this new story. His teacher/motivator role complements a teenage girl who at times seems to be drowning in a glass of water. The film also has youthful love, certain hints of social criticism, a rebellious brother, and the unavoidable presence of two parents who, paradoxically, radiate selfishness and affection in the same magnitude. Perhaps all these elements have made “Coda” a real surprise in recent months, with multiple awards, including several at the last Sundance Film Festival.

This film shows with remarkable clarity and without falling into the trite how, even in the year 2022, it is possible to see people with hearing disabilities excluded from various areas of our society. None of this absolutely real drama, however, is capable of overshadowing the fact that we are facing a solvent proposal in terms of plot and technique. A movie worth seeing.

:

Synopsis: As the daughter of deaf parents, Ruby is the only hearing person in her home. When she discovers her passion for singing, she must choose between family obligations and her dreams. Winner of the Jury and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Original title: “CODE”.

Cast: Emilia Jones, Marlee Maitlin, Eugenio Derbez

Duration: 1 hour and 51 minutes

Classification: +13 years

Gender: Comedy drama

Rating: ★★★★

:

“Coda” is nominated for the 2022 Oscars in the Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Troy Kotsur) categories.

:

:

: