Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three, who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
CODA, directed by Sian Heder, is the kind of film that makes you laugh through your tears and leaves you hopeful long after the credits roll. At its core, it’s a tender exploration of family, identity, and the transformative power of music.
The story follows Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), the only hearing member of her deaf family. As a “child of deaf adults” (CODA), she serves as interpreter and emotional bridge for her parents (Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur) and brother (Daniel Durant). This responsibility is both a source of pride and an immense weight, especially as Ruby discovers her passion for singing—a gift her family cannot experience in the same way she does.
What makes the film so powerful is its balance of themes. It’s a coming-of-age story about chasing dreams, but it’s also about loyalty, sacrifice, and the complicated love within families. The irony of Ruby’s gift—her voice—sets up moments of breathtaking poignancy.
One of the most powerful sequences takes place at a school concert, when the soundtrack drops to silence, placing us in her family’s perspective. Another unforgettable moment comes when Ruby sings to her father, who places his hands on her throat to feel the vibrations of her voice. Without words, the scene communicates more than dialogue ever could.
The Rossi family is portrayed with warmth and humor. They tease, argue, and embarrass each other like any family, but the added layer of deafness brings unique challenges. Ruby often feels pulled between two worlds, yet the love that binds the family is undeniable. The performances bring this dynamic vividly to life—Troy Kotsur, in particular, infuses his role with tenderness and wit, earning his well-deserved Oscar.
The romance between Ruby and her classmate Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) adds lightness without distracting from the main narrative. Their relationship underscores Ruby’s journey of growth, vulnerability, and learning to share her voice beyond her family’s orbit.
What lingers about CODA is how it celebrates both the universality of family love and the distinctiveness of deaf culture. It never reduces the Rossis to symbols; instead, it presents them as a fully realized family navigating joy, conflict, and connection.
Ultimately, CODA is more than a story about music or ambition—it’s about the courage to honor your roots while stepping into your future. It’s a film that truly sings, even in silence.
Nomi's Verdict: A film that sings straight to the soul. Poignant, uplifting, and unforgettable.
READ MORE > Nomi's Pics, Rambler Cafe Blog
Leave a comment