CODA

I need to hurry to make the most of my free Apple TV. This week, after putting it off for too long, I found time for CODA, the service's Oscar-nominated remake of the French film, La Famille Belier. Seeing it now makes me wish I saw it sooner.

CODA stands for "Child of Deaf Adults," and that's what Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones) is. She's the only one who can interpret for her deaf parents Frank (Troy Kotsur) & Jackie (Marlee Matlin), and her also deaf brother Leo (Daniel Durant). She works with Frank and Leo on their fishing boat while going to high school. One day, she joins Miles (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) into the choir headed by Mr. Villalobos (Eugenio Derbez). She impresses "Mr. V" so much he gives her private lessons and recommends her for Berklee.

Unfortunately, the family fishing boat is threatened by overbearing Union suits. Frank and Leo decide to start their own fish mongering business. But they need Ruby's help, while Ruby wants to follow her singing dreams. Naturally, she finds herself struggling to balance her commitments. 

Writer and Director Sian Heder gives us a great family drama. Sure, it's a typical movie plot about balancing dreams vs family. But there are compelling reasons for each side. It's easy to forget (or discount, as I did) that the ADA would've (or should've) alleviated much of Ruby's stress. She's all the help her family knows. But we see her exhibit a promising talent. I'll elaborate further on the conflict when I discuss the cast.

Jones as Ruby is a compelling lead. We understand her exhaustive life as she balances fishing and school. The choir gives her an outlet to sing in front of others. It's a stressful prospect at first but we see her get some confidence. What makes her conflict compelling is that her family is likable. Matlin and Kotsur are (nonverbally) outspoken parents, much to Ruby's embarrassment. Frank, especially, is a hoot as he signs out some colorful language. His business really needs help, as shown when Ruby is essentially substituted with a beyond-useless Union rep. They soon understand how much singing means to Ruby. Durant as Leo understands quicker when he tells her to go to Berklee. Meanwhile, Derbez as Mr. V proves to be more than a typically eccentric teacher. 

There are some standout moments during its 112 minutes. One of the earliest scenes has Ruby endure some unbearable loudness from her unaware family. The climax gives us the opposite as we experience the Rossi's watch Ruby's concert in total silence. Her successful audition at Berklee is an emotional moment, as is when Frank feels her vocal cords singing. We get to hear plenty of stellar singing from Ruby on the soundtrack.

CODA makes a compelling case to get Apple TV. There's a great cast acting out this moving family story. There's plenty of laughs and drama to be found here. You might be lucky this weekend as some cities will get free theatrical screenings then. Whatever format is fine as long as you see it soon.