CODA

Ruby Rossi is the only member of her Deaf family who can hear, and she acts as their primary link to the outside world. She loves singing and quietly chases opportunities in music while juggling the rhythms of a working fishing family. When the family fishing business faces a serious threat, Ruby finds herself torn between the pull of her dream and the obligations that keep her family afloat. She worries that pursuing a singing path could pull her away from the people who rely on her most. The film stays intimate and grounded, highlighting the everyday triumphs and tensions of a close knit clan, and it shows how art can widen horizons without severing kinship. Ruby's relationship with her family unfolds through shared meals, late night conversations, and the small details of daily life, all rendered with warmth and humor.

Directed by Siân Heder with roots in the idea by Victoria Bedos and Stanislas Carré de Malberg, CODA reimagines the La Famille Bélier concept for an American setting. It premiered at Sundance 2021 and arrived on Apple TV+ later that year.

CODA swept the 94th Academy Awards, taking home Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Siân Heder. It earned several additional nominations and was widely praised for its performances, direction, and its thoughtful look at Deaf culture.

Since its release, CODA has helped push Deaf representation into the mainstream. Its consistent use of American Sign Language and focus on family bonds sparked discussions about accessibility, education, and the arts in Deaf communities, and it remains a touchstone for inclusive storytelling.

Critics praised the film for intimate performances and a calm, humane look at ambition and loyalty. It treats music not as an escape but as a bridge that can expand a life while keeping roots firm in a close knit family and community.