
Movie review
CODA
Woke Score
Lower is better
- Release Date
- August 13, 2021
- Age Rating
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 112 min
Where to Watch
United States · Last checked 5/14/2026
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Breakdown
Factors & Ratings
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for CODA.
Representation / casting choices
Authentic casting of deaf performers in deaf family roles matches the story's setting and premise perfectly with no ethnicity swaps or forced signaling; the family appears as a typical white working-class New England fishing family.
Political / ideological dialogue
The script contains no political speeches, ideological arguments, or activist language of any kind.
Identity-driven story themes
The plot revolves around the unique experience of being a CODA and family reliance due to deafness, but it is handled as a personal coming-of-age tale about choices and love rather than modern identity politics or systemic issues.
Institutional / cultural critique
There is a minor subplot about local regulations and fees hurting the family business, presented as everyday economic pressure without any anti-capitalist or institutional activist framing.
