SummaryHow does a man who is—literally—paralyzed by happiness find love? Thanks to a condition called cataplexy—a rare disorder that causes him to lose control of his muscles whenever he is overcome by strong emotion, particularly joy—Brooklyn librarian Charlie (Martin Freeman) has learned to carefully edit all delight-triggering people, places, and eve... Read More
Directed By:Jason Winer
Written By:Max Werner, Chris Higgins
Ode to Joy
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
38
User score
Generally Favorable
7.0
My Score
Drag or tap to give a rating
Hover and click to give a rating
Not available in your country?
ExpressVPN
Get 3 Extra months free
$6.67/mth
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable
14% Positive
1 Review
1 Review
57% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
29% Negative
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
Aug 8, 2019
80
Everyone has defined, and distinct characters and no one is phoning it in. Just sit back and enjoy this unique romantic comedy.
Aug 10, 2019
50
The film’s depiction of cataplexy is a reasonable representation considering how it’s being used (sufferers may understandably disagree). It’s too bad that so many of the screenplay’s other elements – like its treatment of basic human emotions – are badly mishandled.
User score
Generally Favorable
57% Positive
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
43% Mixed
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Jun 18, 2020
9
Martin Freeman brings an anxious intensity to any role he plays (most recently in the darkly funny Breeders on FX). This character gives him a chance to amp up those traits for laughs. He plays a man with cataplexy, a disorder that makes him lose muscle control whenever he's happy. To avoid that outcome, he moves thru his day focusing on the miserable side of life, until he meets a wonderful woman (Morena Baccarin). In addition to Freeman's affable charms, Jake Lacy (as his brother) and Melissa Rauch (as his "safe" girlfriend) add additional funny moments. Director Jason Winer is most associated with his work on Modern Family and he captures that same buoyantly upbeat/offbeat vibe here. While the romance plays out predictably, getting there provides lots of sweet appeal and delightful comedy.
Mar 8, 2020
7
The film is worth watching, it's not a masterpiece, but the casting did a great job in portraying cataplexy in comedy, as challenging as it can be. Considering that it is a comedy and not a documentary about the condition, Freeman gives a warm and sentimental performance and Brazilian actress Morena Baccarin adds a charming and honest touch to the film. Recommended for Martin Freeman fans. Total score: 6.5.
Aug 9, 2019
50
A plainly affable romantic comedy that’s not too powerful with its romance, and certainly not its comedy.
Aug 8, 2019
50
Freeman, never the most animated of performers, gives his specific brand of passive British miserabilism free rein. But it’s Melissa Rauch, as Charlie’s safely dull, place-holder girlfriend, who steals the show.
Aug 8, 2019
40
Ode to Joy fails to live up to its title by attempting to wring comic mileage from a medical condition that sufferers probably don't find very funny.
Aug 9, 2019
30
Mostly known for his behind-the-camera TV credits on shows like “Modern Family” and “1600 Penn,” Winer doesn’t bring much finesse into the generic visuals of Ode to Joy. In fairness to him, no amount of directorial elegance could have saved the artificial beats of a narrative that fails to create believable sexual tension between its “romantic” leads and amounts only to an utterly shallow showdown between brothers with long-standing scores to settle.
Aug 8, 2019
30
The movie was inspired by a real person but nearly everything that happens here plays as phony.
Sep 19, 2023
4
The humor in it loses its potency quickly after the first few explanations of Martin Freeman's character condition and it becomes evident that even though this is a romantic comedy, there is not much romance and even less comedy. Every aspect of the film feels meticulously calculated, devoid of a single genuine moment. Consequently, the movie comes across as an artificial gimmick that ultimately fails to deliver any true satisfaction.
Production Company:
- Mosaic
- Small Dog Picture Company
Release Date:Aug 9, 2019
Duration:1 h 37 m
Rating:R
Tagline:He's never been happier. And that's the problem.
Awards
Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Sedona International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
