Year: 2021
Runtime: 111 min
Language: English
Director: Sian Heder
Ruby is the sole hearing member of a deaf family and works as an interpreter for her parents and younger brother. Balancing her family's dependence on her with her own aspirations proves challenging when she discovers a passion for singing and joins her school choir. As Ruby develops her talent with the help of her encouraging mentor, she faces a difficult choice between her family obligations and pursuing her musical dreams.
Get a spoiler-free look at CODA (2021) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a quiet coastal town where the rhythm of the sea shapes everyday life, Ruby lives at the intersection of two worlds. As the only hearing member of a deaf family, she translates the conversations of her father Frank, mother Jackie, and older brother Leo into the sounds that bridge their close‑knit existence with the bustling world beyond the shoreline. The family’s modest fishing business and their deep, unspoken bonds create a warm yet demanding backdrop, making Ruby’s role both a source of pride and an ever‑present weight.
At school, Ruby discovers a voice that longs to be heard beyond the boat docks. Encouraged by Gertie, a steadfast friend, she steps into the choir, where Miles—a fellow student with a quiet charisma—captures her imagination, and Mr. Villalobos, the choir director with a keen ear, recognizes the raw talent bubbling beneath her hesitation. The music room becomes a sanctuary where she can explore a passion that feels both liberating and conflicted, offering a glimpse of a future that contrasts sharply with the responsibilities waiting at home.
The film weaves together gentle humor, tender family moments, and the quiet intensity of a young woman caught between duty and desire. Its tone is both intimate and hopeful, inviting viewers to feel the pull of tradition against the promise of personal ambition. As Ruby navigates the delicate balance of interpreting silent love and finding her own voice, the story leaves us wondering how far she will go to honor both the world she knows and the one she dreams of joining.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 00:40
Don't stop at just watching — explore CODA in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what CODA is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of CODA, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of CODA with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape CODA. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.