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Timeline

CODA (2014) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2014 · 10 mins
Directed by
Martine Époque, Denis Poulin
Starring
Robert Meilleur, Séverine Lombardo, Brianna Lombardo, Frédérick Gravel

A short animation exploring a new approach to dance in cinema, CODA utilizes advanced digital technologies like motion capture and particle processing. Designers Denis Poulin and Martine Époque craft virtual dancers unbound by physical form, creating a hypnotic and balletic experience. Dynamic traces visualize the movements of the original dancers, while addressing environmental themes through metaphor. The film presents a unique universe where space and time blend, set to the rhythms of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, depicting luminous bodies transforming within a cosmic setting.

On this page (4)
  1. 1 Events in order (15)
  2. 2 Timeline questions answered
  3. 3 Movie threads
  4. 4 Every angle

15 events in order · contains spoilers

CODA Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of CODA (2014) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Ruby joins the school choir

    Ruby, the only hearing member of her deaf family, signs up for the school choir after spotting her crush Miles Patterson. The music teacher Mr. V encourages her to sing more and pairs her with Miles for a duet. This moment sets Ruby on a path toward pursuing music more seriously.

    Where
    Gloucester High School, Gloucester
  2. Family fishing business faces new restrictions

    The Rossi family grapples with new fees and sanctions as the local board tightens fishing rules. During a heated board meeting, Frank announces a plan to start his own company to bypass the restrictions and invites other fishermen to join. Ruby is pressed to help spread the word while also balancing school commitments.

    Where
    Gloucester harbor
  3. Mr. V approves Berklee audition and lessons

    Mr. V sees Ruby's talent and encourages her to audition for Berklee College of Music, offering private lessons to help prepare. He pushes her to set music as a priority, even as family responsibilities demand her time. Ruby agrees to work toward the audition.

    Where
    Gloucester High School music room, Gloucester
  4. Ruby's lessons clash with family duties

    Ruby's growing commitments to interpreting for her deaf parents cause her to arrive late to lessons with Mr. V. The teacher grows irritated by the repeated tardiness and questions how seriously she cares about music. Ruby feels torn between her dreams and her family's needs.

    Where
    Mr. V's studio, Gloucester
  5. Coast Guard intercepts fishing boat

    While Ruby swims with Miles, Frank and Leo take the boat out with a federal fishing observer on board. A Coast Guard boat intercepts them for not responding to horns and radio calls. They are fined and their licenses are suspended for negligence.

    Where
    Off Gloucester, Massachusetts
  6. License suspension and Ruby's defense

    Ruby tells her family that she cannot always interpret for them and she was not at fault. She defends that the burden should not fall entirely on her. The incident strains family relationships as they argue about responsibility.

    Where
    Gloucester fishing docks
  7. Conditional license and on-board interpreter requirement

    The Coast Guard returns the licenses but with a new condition: there must be a hearing person on board at all times. Ruby's role in the family business becomes legally essential as her interpreting is recognized as critical. The family begins to adjust to this new dynamic.

    Where
    On their boat, off Gloucester
  8. Ruby decides to join the family business

    Ruby announces that she will forgo Berklee and join the family business full-time. Frank and Jackie express support, but Leo pushes back, arguing they can manage without Ruby. The decision creates tension as Ruby weighs her future against family obligations.

    Where
    Gloucester, MA
  9. Choir recital and family support

    The Rossi family attends Ruby's choir recital and notices the positive reception from the audience. After the performance, Frank asks Ruby to sing for him while he feels her vocal cords, creating an emotional moment at home. The family begins to rally around Ruby's talent.

    Where
    Gloucester High School auditorium, Gloucester
  10. Boston Berklee audition day begins

    The family travels to Boston for Ruby's Berklee audition, and Miles reveals he failed his own audition. They sneak into the balcony while Mr. V comes to accompany on piano. Ruby feels supported as she prepares to perform.

    Where
    Boston, Massachusetts
  11. Audition moment and restart

    Ruby faces nerves but is allowed to start again after Mr. V deliberately makes a mistake to guide her. She signs along while performing the song Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell, letting her family understand the performance.

    Where
    Berklee College of Music, Boston
  12. Ruby accepted to Berklee

    Ruby's audition impresses and she is accepted to Berklee College of Music. She invites Miles to visit her in Boston afterward, signaling a milestone for both her and their relationship.

    Where
    Berklee College of Music, Boston
  13. Hearing family learns sign language

    As the new business dynamic grows, Ruby's hearing family members begin learning sign language to communicate more effectively with her and with each other. The whole family gains a new skill that strengthens daily interactions at the dock and at home.

    Where
    Gloucester, MA
  14. Farewell drive to Boston

    Gertie drives Ruby to Boston for college as her family watches with pride. Ruby signs I love you to them as they drive away, signaling gratitude and a hopeful future.

    Where
    On the highway en route to Boston
  15. New communication at the docks

    The hearing workers in the family fishing business have learned sign language, enabling them to communicate with the Rossi family. The crew begins to operate with greater inclusion, changing daily routines at the docks and on the water. The ending points toward a more integrated future for the family and their business.

    Where
    Gloucester docks

Last updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:07

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Timeline questions answered

CODA Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of CODA (2014): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Ruby decide to join the school choir?

Ruby joins choir after seeing her crush Miles Patterson sign up for it. Inspired by the possibility of being near him and discovering her own passion for singing, she decides to try something that has always been inside her but never fully expressed.

  • Ruby
  • Ruby Rossi
  • choir
  • Miles
  • school
Q2

Why is Ruby so essential to the family's fishing business?

As the only hearing member of a deaf family, Ruby has always served as the interpreter between her family and the hearing world. She handles communications with authorities, clients, and regulators, making her critical to daily operations.

  • Ruby
  • deaf family
  • interpreter
  • fishing business
Q3

Why does the Coast Guard intercept Frank and Leo's fishing boat?

The boat fails to respond to horn signals and radio calls from the Coast Guard. Because Frank and Leo are deaf, they did not hear the warnings, and with a federal fishing observer on board, the situation escalated to fines and license suspension for negligence.

  • Coast Guard
  • boat
  • fishing license
  • deaf
  • intercept
Q4

Why does Mr. V get frustrated with Ruby during lessons?

Mr. V's frustration stems from Ruby repeatedly arriving late to her lessons because of her family obligations. He sees her genuine talent and fears her potential is being wasted by missed opportunities, not because she lacks ability.

  • Mr V
  • lessons
  • Ruby
  • talent
  • frustration
Q5

Why does Ruby initially decide to give up Berklee and join the family business?

After the Coast Guard incident and the condition that a hearing person must always be on board, Ruby feels she cannot abandon her family. She believes her role as interpreter is indispensable and chooses family duty over her own dreams.

  • Ruby
  • Berklee
  • family business
  • sacrifice
  • dream
Q6

Why does the Coast Guard require a hearing person on the boat at all times?

Following the incident where the boat failed to respond to warnings, the Coast Guard imposes a condition that a hearing person must be present whenever they fish. This legally requires Ruby or another hearing person to be on board to ensure communication with authorities.

  • Coast Guard
  • hearing person
  • license
  • fishing
  • requirement
Q7

Why does Mr. V deliberately make a mistake during Ruby's Berklee audition?

Mr. V notices Ruby is nervous and freezing up. By intentionally playing a wrong note, he gives her permission to restart, allowing her to reset, find her confidence, and perform without the pressure of perfection from the first attempt.

  • Mr V
  • Berklee audition
  • mistake
  • performance
  • Ruby
Q8

Why does Ruby sign while singing during her Berklee audition?

Ruby signs along while performing Both Sides Now so her deaf parents in the audience can understand the meaning of the lyrics. This choice communicates her heritage and transforms the performance into a bridge between her two worlds.

  • Ruby
  • sign language
  • audition
  • Berklee
  • Both Sides Now
Q9

How does the family adapt after the Coast Guard incident?

The family begins learning sign language to reduce Ruby's burden as the sole interpreter. Hearing workers in the fishing business start communicating in sign language, creating a more inclusive environment that allows Ruby to pursue her own future.

  • sign language
  • family adaptation
  • fishing
  • business
Q10

Why does Ruby invite Miles to visit her in Boston after the audition?

After both their auditions (Miles having failed his own), Ruby extends a genuine connection to Miles. Their relationship evolves from a crush to mutual support, and she wants him to be part of her new life as she begins her journey at Berklee.

  • Ruby
  • Miles
  • Boston
  • relationship
  • invitation
Q11

What changes when Ruby leaves for college?

When Ruby leaves for Berklee, the family is left to operate without her as interpreter. However, the hearing workers have now learned sign language, allowing the family business to function more independently while Ruby pursues her music career.

  • Ruby
  • college
  • Berklee
  • family
  • leaving

Movie threads

More Movies Like CODA, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes CODA tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Coming of age movies with found confidence like in CODA

Young protagonists embrace their unique identity to bridge personal and family worlds. If you enjoyed CODA, you'll appreciate these similar coming of age stories where teenagers find their voice. These movies feature characters navigating family duties and personal dreams, leading to emotionally resonant and heartwarming conclusions about identity and communication.

  • heartwarming
  • inspiring
  • earnest
  • coming of age
  • family-oriented
  • uplifting
  • Tone: hopeful, earnest
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically follow a linear, character-driven path where an adolescent faces a defining choice between a personal passion and family obligations. The central tension is internal and relational, not external, leading to a climax of self-expression that fosters growth and harmony between the protagonist and their community.

Why they belong together: They share a hopeful tone, steady pacing, and medium emotional weight, focusing on relatable struggles of adolescence. The core theme of self-discovery through the challenge of bridging two worlds creates a cohesive and uplifting viewing experience.

Movies where art connects people like in CODA

Stories where music, dance, or other art forms overcome barriers and foster understanding. Fans of CODA who loved its theme of music as communication will enjoy these movies. Explore similar films where art, music, or performance help characters overcome differences, express the inexpressible, and build profound connections with others.

  • uplifting
  • melodic
  • inspiring
  • heartfelt
  • communicative
  • expressive
  • Tone: uplifting, inspiring
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern revolves around a character using their artistic talent to navigate a challenging situation or connect with someone from a different background. The art form provides a universal language that transcends conventional barriers, leading to emotional breakthroughs and a deeper appreciation for interdependence.

Why they belong together: They are united by the powerful theme of art as a force for connection. This creates a specific, uplifting vibe centered on nonverbal communication, emotional expression, and the transformative power of creativity, resulting in a hopeful and inspiring mood.

Every angle

CODA (2014) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about CODA in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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