🎬 CODA II: The Next Verse (2026)

CODA II: The Next Verse returns with an emotional continuation of Ruby Rossi’s journey, picking up four years after she drove away to Berklee in pursuit of her musical dreams. Now a graduate, Ruby (played by Emilia Jones) finds herself facing the harsh realities of the music industry in New York, where the noise of the city has drowned out her voice. Struggling with creative block and feeling disconnected from the world she once belonged to, Ruby’s journey takes an unexpected turn when a family emergency calls her back to Gloucester, the home she thought she had left behind forever.

Returning to her family, Ruby expects to step back into her old role as the indispensable interpreter between her Deaf family and the hearing world. However, what she finds is far from what she expected. Frank (Troy Kotsur) and Jackie (Marlee Matlin) have successfully expanded the family’s fishing business using new technology and Deaf-friendly staff, making Ruby’s role as their interpreter unnecessary. Leo (Daniel Durant), her brother, is now a father and has taken charge of the local co-op with fierce independence, thriving in a way Ruby never anticipated.

Suddenly, Ruby is an outsider. No longer the bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds, she struggles to find her place in a family that has learned to thrive without her. In this sequel, the dynamic reverses: it’s not Ruby’s family learning to let her go, but Ruby herself learning how to return—not as the savior, but as the daughter. This emotional shift highlights Ruby’s struggle with her identity and her place in both the music world and her family’s world. The vibrant, loud city has swallowed her up, and now, in the silence of her family’s world, she feels more lost than ever.

At the heart of this journey is Eugenio Derbez, returning as the mentor who challenges Ruby to rediscover her voice and sound. His character, filled with wisdom and tough love, pushes Ruby to find her own path, not by trying to save others or fit into an old role, but by embracing her true self. CODA II beautifully explores themes of growth, personal discovery, and the tension between pursuing one’s dreams and staying true to one’s roots.

This sequel is more than just a continuation—it’s an exploration of what happens when the person who once held everything together feels disconnected from everything that once defined her. Ruby must learn to reconcile her dreams with the new reality of her family’s independence. The film’s emotional depth lies in the struggle of returning home not to save the day, but to find her place in a new narrative. It’s about rediscovering her identity as a daughter, not a savior.

As Ruby navigates this difficult transition, she learns valuable lessons about love, family, and the harmony that can be found in returning home. The themes of Deaf culture and the music world come together once again, offering a poignant exploration of how family and identity shape us, even when the world around us seems to move on without us.

The performances in CODA II are nothing short of extraordinary. Emilia Jones shines as Ruby, capturing the raw emotion of a young woman torn between her dreams and her family. Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, and Daniel Durant bring depth and authenticity to their roles, portraying a family that has grown and evolved, but still holds deep love for Ruby. The film balances humor, heartache, and hope, with every scene reminding us of the power of family and the importance of finding one’s voice, no matter the circumstances.

⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ (9/10) – A beautifully crafted sequel that explores growth, identity, and the unbreakable bond of family. CODA II: The Next Verse is a must-watch for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, while learning that the path forward is often found through returning home.