This is a nice subtle bit to show Raya's progression as a character as the film goes on as she's spent the last 6 years on her own with only her pet Tuk Tuk as company Raya has barely spoken to anyone and as a result it's had an impact on her voice. But as the film goes on Raya finds herself in situations where she has to speak to other people, Sisu, Boun, Little Noi, Tong and, of course, Namaari who she has more then one encounter with over the course of the film.
While I personally hate Rose Tico that honestly had nothing to do with Kelly Tran's performance it was purely down to how she was written and this film really highlights just how talented Tran is as an actor and this subtle touch to how she speaks throughout the film is a great example of that. She could have easily just spoken normally throughout the film and no one would have noticed but Tran worked to make Raya's voice sound as raspy as possible to be more realistic and that sort of talent needs to be praised.
So, Kelly Tran, bravo and I hope you get to play this character again as you brought such life to Raya.
