This review of “Coda” was first published on January 31, 2021 after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival
It’s probably unfair to review the Sundance movie “Coda” in the context of the $25 million deal it made with Apple mid-festival, a record-breaking sale that places enormous expectations on Sian Heder’s gentle family drama. But it’s also inescapable that that kind of money will put pressure on “Coda” to be both an indie landmark and a commercial breakthrough rather than what it really is — a sweet, openhearted coming-of-age story that succeeds in spite of its own predictability.
Heder’s film is modest but thoroughly satisfying, corny but effective, never edgy and always likable. As Sundance dramas go, it dispenses with the indie quirks and idiosyncrasies to focus on a heartwarming story performed by gifted actors; it’s a tear-jerker, to be sure, but you won’t be annoyed at it for jerking those tears.
It’s probably unfair to review the Sundance movie “Coda” in the context of the $25 million deal it made with Apple mid-festival, a record-breaking sale that places enormous expectations on Sian Heder’s gentle family drama. But it’s also inescapable that that kind of money will put pressure on “Coda” to be both an indie landmark and a commercial breakthrough rather than what it really is — a sweet, openhearted coming-of-age story that succeeds in spite of its own predictability.
Heder’s film is modest but thoroughly satisfying, corny but effective, never edgy and always likable. As Sundance dramas go, it dispenses with the indie quirks and idiosyncrasies to focus on a heartwarming story performed by gifted actors; it’s a tear-jerker, to be sure, but you won’t be annoyed at it for jerking those tears.
- 8/12/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
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