“Coda: signs of the heart”: to see or not to see the film by Emilia Jones and Eugenio Derbez?

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 schoolmates, the protagonist of this story must get up daily 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 his only joy at school is thinking about the possibility of joining the choir, led by Professor Bernardo (Eugenio Derbez).

If one thing is clear from the beginning of the film, it is that, although school is about to end, Ruby has not been able to detach herself even minimally from the family yoke. While supporting them in fishing, he must act as a sign language interpreter for his 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 movie shows a sharp parallel. And, 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 (Daniel Durant), no one wants her to leave home. “We need you” becomes a resounding phrase that only puts pressure on the young woman.

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 when Ruby rebels and does not support her father and brother in fishing; They fine his boat and suspend his license.

“Coda” is a musical, tender and audiovisual film 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. On the second, the film has absolutely moving moments. Without being 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 “Returns are not accepted”, Eugenio Derbez does what is necessary to oxygenate this new story. His role as teacher / motivator complements a teenager who at times seems to be drowning in a glass of water. The film also has youthful love, certain touches 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 obscuring that we are facing a solvent proposal in the plot and technical. A movie worth watching.

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Synopsis: As the daughter of deaf parents, Ruby is the only listener 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: “CODA”.

List: Emilia Jones, Marlee Maitlin, Eugenio Derbez

Duration: 1 hour and 51 minutes

Classification: +13 years

Gender: Comedy drama

Rating: ★★★★

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