While criticisms from some deaf commentators and real-life Children of Deaf Adults of the Rossi family’s insular, selfish portrayal are understandable (Ruby’s mum is of the view that unless something can be enjoyed by the whole family on the same level then it shouldn’t be in their orbit), these are very human character flaws. Clearly tides are turning in this regard, slowly but surely. CODA star Troy Kotsur has commented in interviews on roles for deaf actors being limited and perfunctory, patronisingly using their difference as a plot device and as a source of pity.
From hearing loss-centric stories like Sound of Metal to the prominence of characters played by deaf actors Alaqua Cox and Lauren Ridloff in Marvel’s ‘Hawkeye’ and Eternals, to even the boldness of an almost entirely silent episode of ‘Only Murders in the Building’ fronted by James Caverly. It has been a big couple of years for mainstream deaf representation on film and TV. But when Ruby belatedly embraces her love of singing and starts being tutored by her demanding choir master (Eugenio Derbez) for a highly competitive audition for a music school, she has to decide between pursuing her passions and supporting her family who are facing tough times ahead to keep their small business afloat. Massachusetts teenager Ruby (Emilia Jones) is a Child of Deaf Adults, acting as interpreter for her parents Frank and Jackie (Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin) and older brother Leo (Daniel Durant) around their local town, doubling up as radio operator on their fishing boat. Heder’s film does one better right out of the gate by doing the deaf community the basic courtesy of casting deaf actors in the key roles, but it also serves up many more surprises in this tale of coming-of-age and chasing your dreams.
Starring: Emilia Jones, Troy Kotsur, Daniel Durant, Marlee Matlin, Eugenio Derbez, Ferdia Walsh-PeeloĬODA, the latest film from writer-director Sian Heder (previously best known for ‘Orange is the New Black’ and Tallulah ) is an English/American Sign Language remake of French comedy-drama La Famille Bélier.
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