Daniel Durant Is An Absolute Snack in ‘CODA’ on Apple TV+

No matter what you think of CODA—the critically acclaimed coming-of-age film that began streaming on Apple TV+ on Friday—I think we can all agree that actor Daniel Durant is a total hottie.

CODA, an American remake of the French film La Famille Bélier from writer/director Sian Heder, tells the story of a 17-year-old girl named Ruby Rossi (Emilia Jones), who is the only hearing member of her Deaf family. Durant, who was born deaf, plays Ruby’s older brother, Leo Rossi. Leo is a few years out of high school but never went to college, opting instead to work with his dad (played by Troy Kotsur, who is also deaf) on the family fishing boat. While Leo’s dad and mom (Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin) are comfortable relying on their hearing daughter as an interpreter, Leo is not. He’s young, fiercely independent, and prideful to a fault. Understandably, he doesn’t want to rely on his baby sister to help him through life.

Leo is also, as Ruby’s best friend Gertie (Amy Forsyth) points out, extremely attractive. His piercing blue eyes flash with rage when he feels he’s been insulted, and it’s a little bit scary; and a lot bit hot. His toned arms—adorned with some badass nautical tattoos—are put on display in a tight tank top as he lounges while swiping through Tinder. You can’t blame Gertie for pondering out loud, “Does he work out, or are those like fishing muscles?”

Later, when Leo attends his sister’s choir concert, he trades out his tank tops, flannels, and trucker hats for a tasteful button-up and fitted sports jacket. This look, too, is incredibly flattering—especially because he leaves the top button undone, to leave room for his sparkly anchor pendant on a gold chain to peek through. Sir, who gave you the right?

Durant adds to his hotness factor by being a damn good actor. Leo’s inner struggle is expertly portrayed by Durant, who simmers just on the edge of explosion throughout the film. In the moments when he does explode—like when a jerk at the bar spills his drink on him and mocks American Sign Language, or when Ruby offers to delay her dream of attending music school to help with the family fishing business—Durant lets all of Leo’s fear and pain and shame seep through, demonstrating that Leo at his most angry is also at his most vulnerable. And, let’s be honest—is there anything hotter than angry men being vulnerable?

Prior to CODA, you may have seen Durant in the ABC family drama Switched At Birth, where he had a recurring role as Matthew for the last three seasons of the show. You may also remember him from his guest appearance as James in Season 2 of the Netflix thriller series YOU. Theater fans may know him best as Moritz Stiefel in the 2015 Broadway Revival of Spring Awakening.

But it’s fair to say that CODA—which took home four awards at Sundance Film Festival this year, including the special jury prize for best ensemble for the cast—is Durant’s highest-profile role to date. Hopefully, it’s the gateway role to many more movies and TV shows where Durant’s incredible skill—and those incredible arms—are put on display. I know I’d tune in.

Watch CODA on Apple TV+