In recent years, audiences have been seeing more and more deaf characters portrayed in films. At the same time, many of the characters are played by actual deaf actors. It is refreshing to see deaf actors landing these roles and making achievements for the deaf community. Apple TV+, Apple’s new streaming platform, recently released CODA, a film focusing on the only hearing person in a deaf family, and the movie has received much acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The term CODA, or “child of deaf adults,: is a very thought-provoking idea for a film that brilliantly played well on screen.

Films focusing on deaf individuals give us a glimpse in the community while creating very thought-provoking stories. Films like Sound Of Metal show the struggles that individuals can have when trying to come to terms with their new life. At the same time, these films show us that deaf individuals lead fulfilling lives and can easily communicate through ASL. The success of film’s like CODA will certainly pave the way for more movies focusing on deaf individuals, played by deaf actors. Let’s dive into Apple TV+’s new film CODA, as well as five other movies with deaf and hard of hearing characters.

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6 CODA

     Apple TV+

CODA is a newly released film focusing on what it means to be a child of deaf adults. The film focuses on Ruby (Emilia Jones) who is the only hearing member of her deaf family. After Ruby gets a chance of pursuing her music career at Berkley, she is conflicted with the struggle of abandoning her family. The film’s cast includes deaf actors including the talented Marlee Matlin. It is an endearing drama that features strong performances while showcasing the struggles and conflicts of a hearing child living in a deaf family. The film has been nominated for two Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture - Drama.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

5 A Quiet Place

     Paramount Pictures

A Quiet Place was a monumental achievement when it comes to horror films. John Krasinski’s acclaimed film focuses on a family living in a world that is ravaged by deadly aliens who are drawn to sound. As a result, the slightest sound can result in death. Millicent Simmonds plays Regan Abbot, the deaf daughter of the family, and the fact that she cannot hear plays a vital role in the plot. It should also be noted that Simmonds is actually deaf in real life, making her character all the more believable. Lee (Kraskinski) spends a good portion of the film trying to create a device to help his daughter hear. In the end, it is revealed that the device is an effective kryptonite against the aliens, bringing the story together full circle.

4 Mr. Holland’s Opus

     Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

In Mr. Holland’s Opus, Richard Dreyfuss plays Glen Holland, a struggling composer whose life is changed after taking a job as a music teacher at a high school. The film follows Holland’s life over three decades, and along the way, Holland has a child who is completely deaf. One of the main conflicts of the film is Holland, whose passion is music, trying to relate to his deaf son, Cole. Cole is played by three different actors, all who were actually deaf. Holland and his son find ways to build their relationship by finding ways to communicate the world of music through color and vibrations, proving that even deaf individuals can learn to love music.

3 Sound Of Metal

Sound of Metal is a journey into the life of a hard rock drummer, Ruben (Riz Ahmed), who must learn to adapt after suddenly losing his hearing. The focus of the film is on Ruben’s inability to accept his fate until the very end of the movie. Through the sound editing, and Ahmed’s performance, we are shown what it truly feels like to lose your hearing. At the same time, we learn how deaf individuals can give back to their community by working with deaf youths. Paul Raci, who was a child of deaf adults, gives a brilliant supporting performance as Joe, a deaf man trying to help Ruben prosper in his new life. Ahmed gives possibly his best performance to date, and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

2 The Tribe

     Arthouse Traffic

The Tribe is a Ukrainian crime drama focusing on a group of deaf teenagers in a Ukrainian boarding school. The film is gritty and authentic as it focuses on the main character’s progression into a life of crime. The Tribe showcases many brutal topics including robbery, violence, and prostitution. One of the most original aspects of the film is that the characters communicate through Ukrainian sign language with no subtitles shown on the screen. This was an interesting artistic choice that paid off due to the fine performances from the actors. The film was well-received from audiences and critics alike and currently has an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

1 Hush

     Netflix

Hush is a slasher film that focuses on Maddie (Kate Siegel), a deaf character, who is being stalked by a killer (John Gallagher Jr.) The film is a terrifying glimpse into what a home invasion would be like for someone with no hearing. The movie is filled with suspense from beginning to end and both Siegal and Gallagher Jr. give fine performances. It is refreshing to see deaf characters portrayed in horror films, and the concept gives a thought-provoking twist for the genre. In the end, Maddie proves that even though she lacks hearing, she is still able to defend herself against a ruthless killer. Hush is currently streaming on Netflix.