Coda (2021)


 

Coda (2021)

“So the goal is to find the elective that asks the least of you.”

“Choir, are you high?”

“Do you have something to say?”
-Coda (2021)

Sometimes our greatest fears stem from the fact that our normal may not be as normal as we think it is. Though, when it comes to it, we realize that the uniqueness of our normal is what makes it so worthwhile to others. Coda is a wonderful encapsulation of this idea. The idea that what separates us is ultimately what will connect us with the world, and grant us a perspective and voice that others don't have.
As it seemingly always does, simplicity hides a depth here that is so inviting that it is almost missed on first watch. The story of Ruby Rossi, and the challenges of being the only hearing child in a family of deaf parents as well as a deaf sibling, Coda is a film that seeks to break down barriers. Even though those barriers are invisible to most, they are still glaringly obvious to a world that is not designed to accommodate the disabled experience.
Perhaps the most inventive aspects of Coda emerge from the fact that the film is able to distill all this misunderstanding and inaccessibility into a film, not of condemnation, but of joy. joy, in revealing the beauty and charm of the disabled experience. Coda is a film about a family finding their own inventive rhythm, and incorporating it into a world that has seemingly lost its own. Director Sian Heder and her team beautifully conduct this Academy award-winning Best Picture, offering us a simple, yet deeply resident melody. Coda is a heartfelt reminder that connection is not found in the noise, but in the silent languages of our hearts.

Rated PG-13 strong sexual content, and language, and drug use

I found Coda to be deeply meaningful, delightfully entertaining and enormously insightful. I hope in some way you do too.

Coda can be streamed on Apple TV Plus with a subscription, It is also available to purchase on any digital video streaming service. It is available physically on 4K Ultra HD disc.

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