“The
Universal Language”
"I Love You"
A Review of Coda by Nick Olszyk
Distribution Service: Apple+
Year: 2021
MPAA Rating, PG-13
USCCB Rating, Not rated at the time of this review
Reel Rating, Five
Reels
The
acronym “CODA” refers to “children of deaf adults,” which could be the title
for any number of pictures dealing with the deaf community. I was worried at
first it would be a droll documentary but was pleasantly surprised to find a
heartwarming examination of family dynamics and disabilities that steered clear
of the modern traps of identity politics. It was also, independent of anything
else, the best film I’ve seen yet this year.
Ruby
(Emilia Jones) is a typical 18-year-old senior who loves singing, hanging out with
her friends, and collecting rare vinyl. However, she is the only hearing member
of her family. Her father Frank (Troy Kutsur) and brother Leo (Daniel Durant) are
fishermen while her mother Jackie (Marlee Martin) manages the books. Due to her
non-disability, Ruby travels everywhere with them – the boat, the grocery
store, even the doctors, where she must embarrassingly translate that her
parents cannot have sex for two weeks due to her father’s jock itch. Ruby hides
her passion for song from her family, feeling that any aspirations jeopardize their
ability to function in society. Yet when an earnest teacher (Eugenio Derbez)
agrees to tutor her for a chance to attend Berklee, she cannot forgo destiny
any longer. This is a plot that has been done thousands of times before but
rarely with such wit, insight, and genuine familial love.
The
first pleasant surprise was the phenomenal acting. I had seen Oscar winner
Marlee Martin before, so I knew she would be good. Besides her and Helen Keller,
I doubt most Americans can even name another deaf celebrity. Yet even better
were Kutsur and Durant’s performances. They were friends of Martin from deaf
theater, and this was the first major film role for both. Kutsur plays the
typical hilarious fisherman with a long beard, dirty sense of humor, and propensity
for swearing, but it’s the scenes with Ruby that are astounding. Towards the
end of the film, she sings a song privately just for him, and his eyes swell
with love, pride, and loss – all the emotions of a parent rolled into one.
Durant is resentful of his younger sister like the prodigal son’s older brother.
He wants to improve the fishing business but feels tethered by his family’s
dependance on her. At the same time, he is protective and wants the best for
his little sibling even if that means sacrificing his own happiness. All this
is done without any audible words. Perhaps because they cannot talk these actors
have learned to express emotions physically so brilliantly. Hollywood would do
well to cast deaf actors for any part, whether the character can hear or not.
There
are many pitfalls when creating a “minority” film. When Gentleman’s
Agreement and To Kill a Mockingbird premiered, they were rare
landmark events. Now, they are a dime and dozen. It’s also difficult to navigate
these struggles without being preachy or creating the opposite hatred for
another group of people. A good start is by making the characters * gasp *
normal people. Ruby’s family has good qualities and bad qualities. They make
mistakes and can even be prejudice. When Ruby suggest her mom hang out more
with non-deaf people, Jackie signs back, “I can’t stand those hearing bitches.”
Ruby rolls her eyes. “Maybe they would
be nicer if you didn’t call them ‘hearing bitches.’” While Coda recognizes
the bullying and teasing Ruby’s family endures, it also showcases hearing
individuals who treat them with kindness and generosity. Ruby’s singing partner
(and secret crush) even calls her family “perfect.” “Are you kidding?” Ruby
retorts. Her friend looks down. “My parents barely even talk to one another. Yours
are in love.” Everyone is disabled by original sin; everyone is privileged by
the blood of Jesus Christ. It is certainly true that throughout history groups
of people have experienced unjust prejudice at the hands of an oppressive
majority, but ultimate solution lies in our common humanity and place before
God.
While
Coda can be enjoyed on many levels, its passionate affirmation of the
nuclear family is what makes it most unique. Rarely have I seen individuals in
a blood relationship exude such pure joy. When Ruby reveals her love of music,
which is difficult for her family to even observe, much less comprehend, they
are patient and self-giving. They accept the irony of the situation with humor
and grace. Ruby too learns to embrace her role in the family and will always be
present to them, even when off on her own adventures. Of course, there is a
communication barrier in terms of words, but love needs no language.
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