The first time Ruby sings in front of an audience, her family cannot hear her. They watch, instead, through the eyes of others. They scan the crowd for reactions, searching for the emotion they cannot experience. Then, in a moment of raw intimacy, her father places his hands on her throat, feeling the vibrations of her voice. It is a powerful, almost silent moment that speaks louder than any words. Everything Everywhere All at Once is not just a film about identity and relationships. It is a lens into how capitalism, patriarchy, and ableism intersect to define whose voices are heard and whose are ignored.
Disability remains one of the least discussed forms of inequality in economic participation. The International Labour Organisation estimates that only 36 percent of working-age disabled people in high-income countries are employed. In lower-income countries, the percentage is even smaller. The Rossi family’s struggle in the film mirrors the reality faced by millions. The fishing industry, like many labour markets, is not designed for people who experience the world differently. The policies that govern it are built on the assumption that everyone can engage with the environment in the same way.
The silent economy: Who gets to work and why it matters
The exclusion of disabled people from the workforce is rarely about skill. It is about access. In CODA, the Rossi family are expert fishers, yet they are forced to rely on Ruby, their hearing daughter, as an interpreter. They do not lack ability; they lack the infrastructure that allows them to work independently. This is not unique to them. Across industries, disabled workers are systematically excluded due to workplace designs that cater only to able-bodied individuals.
In 2023, the World Economic Forum reported that nearly 75 percent of companies in developed nations had no formal inclusion strategies for disabled employees. Yet businesses that implement accessible workspaces and inclusive hiring practices often see productivity increases. Studies show that diverse workforces lead to innovation and higher employee satisfaction. Despite this, the burden of adaptation is placed on the disabled individual rather than on institutions.
The unpaid labour of care and sacrifice
For many women, particularly in working-class families, labour extends beyond employment. Ruby’s struggle is not just about choosing between singing and fishing. It is about the invisible labour expected of daughters. The Rossi family depends on her in ways that restrict her ability to pursue her own ambitions. This is a dynamic that exists far beyond the film.
Globally, women perform more than three-quarters of all unpaid care work. This includes caring for children, elderly family members, and disabled relatives. In many societies, this labour is not only expected but demanded. Women who prioritise their careers over family obligations are often criticised, while men who do the same rarely face scrutiny. This imbalance is a direct product of patriarchal structures that frame women as caregivers first and professionals second.
The politics of small-scale fishing
The Rossi family’s struggles extend beyond their disability. Their financial instability is worsened by government regulations that disproportionately affect small-scale fisheries. Large corporations dominate the industry, receiving the majority of subsidies, while independent fishers struggle to stay afloat. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, small-scale fisheries produce half of the world’s seafood yet receive less than five percent of global fisheries subsidies.
This economic disparity is not accidental. Policies often favour large-scale operations, pushing smaller businesses into financial precarity. The Rossi family’s battle for independence is part of a larger global fight. Small fishers from India to Canada face increasing barriers to entry due to high costs, environmental restrictions, and corporate monopolies. Without systemic change, their survival is uncertain.
The science of sound and inclusion
CODA also raises deeper questions about the role of sound in shaping our reality. In a world that prioritises speech and hearing, those who communicate differently are often marginalised. Scientific research into sound perception has shown that vibrations can serve as an alternative means of experiencing auditory stimuli. Advances in haptic technology are already allowing deaf individuals to “hear” through tactile feedback.
The potential of this technology extends far beyond accessibility. Haptic sound interfaces could revolutionise music, gaming, and virtual reality. More importantly, they challenge the assumption that hearing is the only valid way to engage with the world. This shift in perspective is crucial in creating a society where all modes of communication are valued equally.
The broader cultural and political context
The themes explored in the film resonate with ongoing global discussions about inclusivity and representation. In 2023, the United Nations released a report highlighting the need for stronger disability rights protections worldwide. Many governments still fail to implement policies that ensure full economic and social participation for disabled individuals.
At the same time, conversations about unpaid labour and gender equality continue to shape policy debates. The European Union recently proposed new regulations to recognise and compensate unpaid caregivers, a move that could set a precedent for other regions. The film’s portrayal of these issues is not just storytelling; it is a reflection of real-world struggles that demand attention.
