Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: CODA [Sundance Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]

The element of communication is a continuing texture, both in current festivals, but especially in the modern age. What is most thrilling about "CODA" [US Dramatic Competition]which premiered virtually opening night of Sundance Film festival 2021 is how lyrical the movie is considering that a good amount of it is in sign language. We haven't seen a movie like this in years which is heartfelt and simply shows a family with a disability living life, loving and overcoming hardships. The film follows Ruby (played by Locke & Key's Emilia Jones - shedding her English accent), the only hearing member of a deaf fishing family on the coast of Massachusetts. It is an inherently American story but it flows uniquely in between many different interlocking stories including a love of music, the texture of tone, young love, responsibility...and communication, either missed or connective. The fact that the film at one point communicates the love of music between a hearing daughter and a deaf father can bring tears to your eyes.

The acting especially with both acting vet and Oscar winner Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur as the mother and father just sings because you see the joy, the laughter...and especially the humor which brings the heart. Emilia Jones is a light and the comparisons here to Emma Stone especially when the music kicks in is undeniable. Writer/Director Sian Heder has a keen eye and balances the scenes but certain moments like Jones and her crush singing back to back in a room and another solo piece is undeniable. But then there is those thoughts between the lines, even during one moment where there is a glimpse of reverse perception. "CODA", in a world that tries to usually show tragedy overcoming good, it is nice to see a positive movie just about living and accepting, if not understanding, those closest to you. A

By Tim Wassberg