Deaf characters in film

There is not a lot of deaf representation in movies, so it is very special thing to see when deaf characters are able to make an appearance on the big screen played by actual deaf actors. However, a common thing about deaf characters in films are that they are usually never the main character and their only personality trait is that they are deaf. I do think that deaf representation is getting much better as time progresses and they are finally getting storylines that show they are people too. 

A popular deaf character in a recent film was in the movie "A Quiet Place" and its sequel "A Quiet Place 2". These movies are about a family trying to survive in a world where they can not make any noise because there are these creatures that attack anything that makes a sound. The family is all hearing except the eldest child who is deaf. Since they live in a world with no noise, they family uses ASL to communicate which they probably already knew very well because of their deaf daughter. When the family signs to each other, there are subtitles at the bottom. The movies also use audio techniques to show an absence of sound to show how the daughter's hearing is different from the rest of the family. Another important thing about these movies is that they gave the character more traits than just being deaf, in fact, she was one of the bravest members of the family. 

A Quiet Place 2 (2020)

Millicent Simmonds as Regan

Another example of a deaf character in a recent successful film was Makkari in Marvel's "Eternals". The character is played by Lauren Ridloff, who is a deaf actress. In the movie, Makkari is a superhero with superhuman speed. In the movie, she communicates through ASL and facial expressions. Once again, when she signs there are subtitles at the bottom of the screen. The other members of her team have no problems when communicating with her, some even use ASL when talking to her. This is a very important character because Marvel is a very popular company with a large audience. These introduces the deaf community to those who may have never seen a deaf person before or it may show the deaf youth that they are able to do anything. 

Eternals (2021)

Lauren Ridloff as Makkari