Coda (2019)

My Review

“Coda” is a drama film about a famous pianist struggling with stage fright in the later part of his life and career. He finds strength and inspiration in a new-found friendship with a young music critic. Director Claude Lalonde has put together an entertaining film with good writing, intelligent performances, and a wonderful score filled with great classical music, all in his feature film debut. The smart and witty screenplay was written by Louis Godbout.

The stars of the show are Patrick Stewart in the lead role, Katie Holmes as his critic friend, and Giancarlo Esposito as Stewart’s agent. The musical performances from Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, etc., were expertly handled by real-life pianist Serhiy Salov, who also made a cameo appearance. The watchable “Coda” is an independent Canadian movie from Clinamen Films and Filmoption International.

The word “coda” refers to a concluding musical selection that is separate from the main part of the musical. Also, it should be noted that this film “Coda” (2019) is often confused with another film called “CODA,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 2021. “CODA” is an acronym which stands for “children of deaf adults.”