Dickens & Rumi
Cover of CODA

film

CODA

2021

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 themes include family conflict, emotional separation, teen romance, some sexual references, and profanity. The material is generally grounded and compassionate, but may be intense for younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Strong language3/5
  • Romance2/5
  • Sexual content & nudity2/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes strong language and moderate instances of swearing, consistent with a PG-13 rating.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A teenage first-love storyline includes attraction, dating, kissing, and relationship uncertainty, but remains secondary to family and music.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary or frightening elements are present.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes some crude, sexually-charged dialogue and a scene involving parents expressing their sex life.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal depiction of social drinking by adults.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

There is no physical violence present in this drama.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Ruby faces fear, family pressure, financial uncertainty, and difficult choices while working toward her musical aspirations.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Singing, music performance, artistic ambition, and finding ways to communicate make creativity central to the story.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

Deaf characters are central, complex, and portrayed with agency; the film foregrounds Deaf culture, ASL, disability, and family identity.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

The story offers meaningful insight into Deaf family life, communication, sign language, music, and the pressures of interpreting for parents.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, family support, mentoring, cooperation, and appreciation are recurring elements, alongside understandable moments of frustration.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages support family love, accessibility, communication, perseverance, self-expression, and pursuing personal goals without abandoning loved ones.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Ruby and her family show loyalty, resilience, hard work, and growth, though characters sometimes make emotionally reactive choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. Why do you think the characters used the language they did? Did it change how you saw them?
  3. Which choice in CODA would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in CODA, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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