It’s not every day that Topher reviews an Oscar Best Picture. In the past, I watched and analysed Parasite and Green Book. I saw both at the cinemas with a friend. Aside from this, I evaluated Moonlight, The Shape of Water, and Nomadland. CODA (Children of Deaf Adults) was the first movie ‘distributed by a streaming service’ to take out top prize. Earlier, Netflix’s Roma was considered a strong contender but came up short. Coda premiered at the Sundance Festival and its rights were bought by Apple. Recently, I finally beheld this masterpiece.
Mr V
The movie stars Emilia Jones as Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of a deaf family. She navigates home life, school, the family business, and her singing aspirations. Initially, she auditions in the school choir to follow her heart. The tryouts only involved singing Happy Birthday. Overwhelmed, she becomes a runner. However, she returns and Mr Villalobos realises that she’s ’rare’. The latter takes her under his wing, coaching for free. She has what it takes to be accepted at Berklee, his prestigious alma mater.
Casting
Ruby’s family have been fishermen for generations. When they are slighted or fooled, she save the day. In town hall or at the docks, she’s their voice and interpreter. Emilia studied sign language for nine months to prep for the role. She likewise has a budding if rocky romance. When filming began, Jones was seventeen. I’ve noticed her in Locke and Key. You could see her acting chops.
Ruby’s maturation is apparent, as is her family’s. She grew up quick as their link to the world. Though the youngest, she was thrust into this role. At the start, all she did was back up her family. As the film progresses, she creates a life outside home. Ruby engages in a duet, both romantically and academically. She dreams of going to college and moving away from la familia.
Fam and beyond
At first, her parents do not warm up to this. They regard her as their piggy bank. Without her, they’d be lost. How can they handle a simple TV interview without their A1 child? This leads to arguments at the dinner table and hurt feelings. Being a good hija, she’s prepared to forgo her ambitions. This leads her elder brother, Leo, to be miffed. He’s seen her gift. She should not throw them away.
Mr. V was there for her. However, her tardiness gets to him. If you value someone, their time would be important to you. On two occasions, he almost gives up on her. When she reveals the reason for her flakiness, the stern mentor would understand. We totes need a figure like him.
Fresh
The extensive use of sign language was a breath of fresh air. Could be funny or intriguing. Deliberately wrong hand signs were humorous. Likewise with misread signals. In decades of Hollywood productions, it hasn’t been utilised enough. Eugenio Derbez (Mr V.) was perfect as the serious music teacher with a heart of gold. The canine exercise was quite funny. Upon further research, I found out that making audiences titter is his life’s work. The soundtrack was likewise def. Ruby rendered Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now during her Berklee audition. A bravura performance.
Frailty
The movie highlights the frailty of the human condition. Most of us take our normalcy for granted. This picture reminds us that others aren’t as fortunate. We shouldn’t focus on richer or more famous critters. Instead, be grateful. In spite of their impediments, they shined. If they can fish, make connections, and live eventful lives, then why couldn’t we?
Each individual has different talents. No standard test measures a person’s consequence. We may have shortcomings but don’t let them define you. Ruby’s family cannot hear her sing. Yet they know that she’s good and deserving of a bright future with them in the background. They’ll support her, whether near or far, audible or not.
Five stars
The movie was a good length, about two hours. Choreography wasn’t the main selling point. Those boat scenes and Emilia’s diving escapades fleshed out the storylines. It’s got a bit of everything: drama and laughs. Family and friendships. Sign language and auditions. Musicals and outdoor scenes. Romance and heartbreak. The actors were well-cast. One was a previous Oscar winner. Marlee Matlin (Jackie Rossi) was the first actor signed on the film. Meanwhile, Troy Kotsur (Frank Rossi) would win Best Supporting Actor for his turn. Universally acclaimed, CODA took out three Oscars in 2022. Personally, it’s better than Nomadland, Shape of Water, and Green Book. It’s on par with Parasite and Moonlight in terms of originality.
Rating: 5/5
