2021 Directed by Sian Heder 112 mins Comedy, Drama
It is widely recognised as authentic and inclusive primarily because it cast Deaf actors to play Deaf characters, a significant step toward genuine representation in film. For example, Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, and Daniel Durant are all Deaf actors portraying members of the Deaf family, bringing lived experience and cultural authenticity to their roles. The film incorporates American Sign Language naturally as part of the characters’ daily lives, respecting Deaf culture on and off screen. The film also made history with inclusion efforts beyond casting: it was the first major film released with open captions on the big screen, addressing accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. While praised for authenticity, it also sparked conversations about areas for growth, such as ensuring sign language dialogue fully reflects cultural nuances.