CODA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.