CODA

The story unfolds in contemporary America, with school choirs, college auditions, and federal fishing regulations shaping the characters’ choices. The time frame reflects recent changes in the fishing industry and social attitudes toward disability and independence. The film uses this modern setting to explore family obligation alongside personal dreams.

Gloucester sits on Cape Ann in northeastern Massachusetts, known for its historic fishing harbor and maritime heritage. The town’s bustling docks and sea-smoked air frame the Rossi family’s daily life as they navigate tides, licenses, and the changing fishing industry. Its close-knit waterfront community provides the backdrop for Ruby’s dual worlds: hearing in a deaf family and singing in a hearing world.

🎵 Music and Identity

Ruby’s talent becomes both a bridge and a beacon, exposing the power of song to cross hearing barriers. The choir, the audition, and the sign language used by her family highlight how music can unite disparate worlds. The theme shows that pursuing art can be a form of self-definition and family responsibility.

🧩 Family Duty

Ruby’s role as interpreter and breadwinner tests her personal ambitions against family needs. The dynamic with Frank, Jackie, and Leo shows the weight of care within a deaf household. The story suggests choices involve sacrifice, loyalty, and balancing multiple identities.

⚓ Tradition vs Change

The Rossi fishing business faces new fees and restrictions, prompting a plan to adapt or diverge from tradition. Ruby’s pursuit of college and performance clashes with the family obligation to keep the business afloat. The tension between maintaining heritage and seizing opportunity anchors the drama.

🏁 Hope and Transition

Ruby’s Berklee acceptance marks a turning point, signaling a future beyond Gloucester’s harbor. The family gradually learns sign language, mirroring their growth and solidarity. The film closes with a hopeful note as roots and dreams begin to reposition themselves.