I often find Sundance showcases numerous impressive films from filmmakers who are deeply committed to their craft. Going into this year's festival, I was anticipating being profoundly moved by many unknown movies and directors. I hoped some would resonate with me so strongly that I’d cherish them throughout the rest of the year. However, I couldn’t have predicted that the very first film I saw would become a strong contender for my favorite movie of the entire festival. Siân Heder's *CODA* (Child Of Deaf Adults) is my introduction to her work, and now I am eager to explore her previous projects and what she does next. The intriguing concept is developed into an unexpectedly emotional story. Through striking visuals and a superb use of sign language, Heder manages to capture something unique and vitally important for audiences and contemporary society. Following *Sound of Metal* last year, *CODA* reinforces the vital message that deafness should not be viewed as a severe limitation or hardship. The film skillfully demonstrates through its well-crafted script that having some kind of perceived "limitation" doesn't automatically define someone as different, unusual, or mean that families lack love for one another compared to what is considered “normal.” Aside from a somewhat minor romantic subplot involving the main character (which could have introduced an entirely separate and distracting topic to the film’s central themes), I was completely drawn into every storyline. I found the interactions within the deaf family far more compelling than any other dialogue in the movie, largely because of the wonderful performances from the cast. While Daniel Durant (as Leo Rossi) and Marlee Matlin (as Jackie Rossi) are excellent in their supporting roles, Troy Kotsur (as Frank Rossi) and Eugenio Derbez (as Bernardo Villalobos) genuinely moved me to tears with their heartfelt portrayals. Their dedication to their characters was palpable, and I’m pleased that Bernardo Villalobos isn't just another stereotypical choir instructor. However, my highest praise must go to Emilia Jones, who serves as the emotional anchor of the film, elevating it considerably: her performance as Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of the family, is exceptional. As someone who loves music and particularly enjoys Pentatonix, I appreciated the many beautiful voices singing together. But beyond Jones’s voice being genuinely heartwarming, her acting possesses everything an actor needs to be recognized with nominations. It's been a long time since I felt so completely invested in a single character on such an emotional level, and Jones is certainly a major reason why. I also want to acknowledge Paula Huidobro’s visually striking cinematography and Marius de Vries, who composed the film’s subtle yet effective score and likely had a hand in selecting the songs. Excellent work all around. *CODA* might very well be my favorite film from the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, and it will certainly become a must-see when it is released worldwide. Siân Heder delivers impressive direction and a beautifully written script filled with emotionally powerful moments that left me tearful for the final forty-five minutes. The movie offers an important message about the deaf community and how society views what is considered a significant disability, while the visual storytelling and captivating family dynamics are deeply engaging. With heartfelt performances from the supporting cast—particularly Troy Kotsur and Eugenio Derbez—Emilia Jones delivers one of my favorite female performances in quite some time. It’s a moving and thought-provoking film that I hope will connect with audiences everywhere. Rating: A

Source on TMDB