CODA

This is a version of a review appearing on ABC Radio across regional Victoria on March 31, 2022.

(M) ★★★★

Director: Sian Heder.

Cast: Emilia Jones, Eugenio Derbez, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant, Marlee Matlin, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Amy Forsyth.

CODA is streaming on Apple TV.

"Honey - you don't have red wine with fish."

Is CODA the best film of 2021? 

No, it isn't. I'd give that honour to The Power Of The Dog or Belfast. 

But is it the kind of feelgood movie we all need after a couple of tough years? Absolutely.

CODA's high-concept story of a girl from a deaf family wanting to be a musician sings as sweetly as its star Emilia Jones, and its themes of dreams, outcasts, communication, joy and family help make this the uplifting and sincere movie experience many have been searching for.

Jones is excellent as Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of her family. Between her schoolwork, her family's fishing business, and serving as her family's interpreter, Ruby's life is full. When she tries to squeeze in her dream of becoming a singer, as well as having a love life, her world overflows, and she's forced to choose between her own needs and the needs of her family.

CODA succeeds thanks to its great cast, its strong idea (adapted from the French film La Famille Belier), and the sincere way it tells its sweet story. Jones is brilliant, carrying the weight of the film and the singing with apparent ease. She is the shining heart in the centre of the movie and it's no exaggeration to say CODA stands or falls on her shoulders.Thankfully, Jones delivers. 

Kotsur is also great, and a worthy winner in a tough best supporting actor field at the Oscars. His award season success has overshadowed Matlin however, whose role is arguably more difficult and multi-faceted than Kotsur's lovable crank. Matlin deserves just as many accolades. Also noteworthy are Durant as Ruby's brother Leo, and Derbez as the passionate music teacher, Mr V.

Heder's adapted screenplay is a neat ball that wraps up most of its story strings nicely. Her direction is unfussy and to the point, which only helps the film's heartfelt sincerity and uplifting nature shine through.

So why isn't it the best film of the year? Compared to the likes of The Power Of The Dog and Belfast, CODA is a safe bet that doesn't push the limits of its artistic endeavours. The cinematography, complexity and thematic depth of the other two mentioned films are leaps and bounds ahead of CODA, as is The Power Of The Dog's score.

But that's ok, that's fine. CODA isn't that kind of film, but it's a beautiful, well-told story is one well worth many accolades and your time.