Ray J's Review "CODA" (An Apple TV + Original Film)

🎶You're All I Need To Get By🎶

Most times when you think of growing up, you think of being raised by your parents, well "CODA", (Child of Deaf Adults), beautifully shows that there are some families out there in this crazy world in which the parent relies on the child, just as much the child relies on the parents🙂🙏

"CODA" centers around Ruby (played by Emilia Jones) an aspiring singer, and the only hearing member of her family. Taking place in Gloucester, Massachusetts, for many years Ruby has helped her family with interpreting their sign language to keep their fishing business going. One day Ruby joins her high school choir, and while at first she is shy due to falling for her crush Miles (played by Ferdia-Walsh Peelo), the guy that she is also partnered to sing a duet with, she is ultimately encouraged by the choirmaster, Bernardo (played by Eugenio Derbez) to consider auditioning and applying for the music program at Berklee. Unfortunately for Ruby that is a tough decision to make since her family relies on her heavily to interpret. In the long run, she will ultimately decide between staying with her family, or pursuing her dream🎶🎤

I personally found this film to be very moving, and heartfelt. It also features superb performances all around, especially from Emilia Jones, who plays the lead, Ruby! I thought this was a carefully directed perspective on what living with a deaf family would be like if you were the only hearing member. It was very touching😊

CODA also features a very enjoyable soundtrack. Featuring Etta James "Something's Gotta Hold On Me", The Clash's "I Fought The Law", Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrill's "You're All I Need To Get By", as well as cover versions performed by Emilia Jones, Ferdia - Walsh Peelo, and the CODA cast choir of "It's Your Thing" by The Isley Brothers, "I've Got The Music In Me" by Kiki Dee, "Star Man' by David Bowie, "You're All I Need To Get By" by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrill...plus an incredibly poignant, ASL version of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now", performed by Emilia Jones🥺

This should not sway you from viewing the movie at all, because it is absolutely fantastic, but I will say that CODA does feature many subtitles since sign language is heavily featured, which some could find difficult to keep up with.

Consensus: Comforting, and heartfelt, with a delightful Glee-esque soundtrack, "CODA" is an insightful viewing experience that really puts things into perspective from the view points of both deaf & non-deaf individuals. In the moment at least, you feel like you've looked at life from "Both Sides Now"🎶🎬

"CODA" is streaming exclusively on Apple TV +

The Ray J's Reviews Rating is:

5 out of 5 Lime Green Hearts

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