CODA tackles the unusual subject of deaf individuals, but its narrative remains disappointingly conventional.
Ruby Rossi, a timid teenager, is the sole hearing member of her family, which includes her parents, Frank and Jackie, and her brother, Leo. The family depends on Ruby to interpret for them while managing their fishing business.
The central conflict emerges when Ruby decides to pursue a singing career, spurred on by her demanding high school music teacher, Mr. Bernardo "Mr. V" Villalobos. Ruby's budding romance with fellow choir member Miles takes a hit when he betrays her trust, revealing intimate details about her parents to a classmate. This breach leads to significant tension, with much of the film dedicated to Miles' attempts to make amends.
In CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), the film highlights societal prejudices against the deaf community. Although some instances may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, they serve to underscore the challenges faced by the family.
The movie oscillates between two distinct settings. The first is the fishing business, where Frank's decision to cut out the middleman and start his own enterprise reflects his frustration with exploitation. The second setting resembles the world of Glee, with Ruby's vocal talents showcased in a school concert.
The dark moment in the second act occurs when Ruby is swimming with Miles, and Frank and Leo go fishing with a federal observer unaware of their deafness. Their boat is fined, and their licenses are suspended by the Coast Guard for not responding to signals. Ruby refuses to take the blame, arguing she can't always be their interpreter. After appealing, their licenses are reinstated on the condition of having a hearing person onboard. Ruby decides to skip college to join the family business, supported by her parents but opposed by Leo, who fears she'll regret missing college.
The film follows a predictable trajectory from there. Ruby's parents eventually take her to audition at the Berklee School of Music, where she triumphs with a stirring rendition of Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now.' An implausible twist occurs when the once-prejudiced fishermen rally behind Frank's new venture, learning sign language to ensure smooth operations.
Despite the formulaic plot, the performances are solid, particularly Emilia Jones as Ruby, who evolves from self-effacing to confident. Jones's captivating voice adds depth to her portrayal.
Ruby Rossi, a timid teenager, is the sole hearing member of her family, which includes her parents, Frank and Jackie, and her brother, Leo. The family depends on Ruby to interpret for them while managing their fishing business.
The central conflict emerges when Ruby decides to pursue a singing career, spurred on by her demanding high school music teacher, Mr. Bernardo "Mr. V" Villalobos. Ruby's budding romance with fellow choir member Miles takes a hit when he betrays her trust, revealing intimate details about her parents to a classmate. This breach leads to significant tension, with much of the film dedicated to Miles' attempts to make amends.
In CODA (Children of Deaf Adults), the film highlights societal prejudices against the deaf community. Although some instances may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, they serve to underscore the challenges faced by the family.
The movie oscillates between two distinct settings. The first is the fishing business, where Frank's decision to cut out the middleman and start his own enterprise reflects his frustration with exploitation. The second setting resembles the world of Glee, with Ruby's vocal talents showcased in a school concert.
The dark moment in the second act occurs when Ruby is swimming with Miles, and Frank and Leo go fishing with a federal observer unaware of their deafness. Their boat is fined, and their licenses are suspended by the Coast Guard for not responding to signals. Ruby refuses to take the blame, arguing she can't always be their interpreter. After appealing, their licenses are reinstated on the condition of having a hearing person onboard. Ruby decides to skip college to join the family business, supported by her parents but opposed by Leo, who fears she'll regret missing college.
The film follows a predictable trajectory from there. Ruby's parents eventually take her to audition at the Berklee School of Music, where she triumphs with a stirring rendition of Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now.' An implausible twist occurs when the once-prejudiced fishermen rally behind Frank's new venture, learning sign language to ensure smooth operations.
Despite the formulaic plot, the performances are solid, particularly Emilia Jones as Ruby, who evolves from self-effacing to confident. Jones's captivating voice adds depth to her portrayal.