by Jeff Alan, Contributing Writer
Imagine one of the most minuscule joys in life being the thing that could potentially kill you. Seeing a concert of your favorite band. Going on a roller coaster at Disney World. Even falling in love. Anything that can make you happy could be the thing that makes you drop unconscious at a moment’s notice. The term for that is cataplexy, a phenomenon similar to narcolepsy that causes the person who suffers from it to almost immediately collapse unconscious from the moment the experience emotions like terror, crying, laughing, or – in most cases – pure joy.
The 2019 film Ode to Joy covers that subject — loosely basing it on the true story of Chris Higgins, which was covered on This American Life — in a surprisingly humorous way, which depicts a 40-something-year-old man, Charlie (played hilariously by Martin Freeman), who does his absolute best to live a very mundane life, avoiding anything that can cause him to be happy in the slightest. Even his lonely walk to work at the Brooklyn Public Library in New York must be taken by listening to dour classical music and avoiding any kind of interactions on the street that could potentially make him collapse, like a good Samaritan helping an elderly lady crossing the street, or a puppy being taken for a walk on the sidewalk. All of these innocuous things which can make anyone feel happy and joyful are things that can lead him to serious injury. Even standing up in his sister’s wedding and watching her get married sends him toppling over onto his face, causing injury.
One day, Charlie is met face to face with the vivacious and charming Francesca (played by the always wonderful Morena Baccarin). As she tries to meet his eye, he actively avoids it, knowing full well what will happen to him. Against his better judgment, and fighting desperately to keep himself from falling over, he agrees to go out with her, taking her to a deeply boring and low-rated one man show just to keep himself upright. Unfortunately, the truth comes out when she invites him to her apartment for “coffee,” and the poor guy keels over onto his head, giving himself a concussion on the sidewalk, and forcing them to take a trip to the hospital.
While Francesca remains persistent with Charlie, and urges him to give them another chance, despite his growing feelings for her, Charlie refuses point blank and demands she date his brother Cooper instead (played by Jake Lacy of The Office, The White Lotus, and A Friend of the Family). They decide to give it a chance, and the two get along very well, which of course makes Charlie miserable. Exactly what he wants.
It’s understandable that this movie went below the radar upon release. It has only a few big names, it has a 47% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it received generally unfavorable reviews. However, this movie has a lot of humor in it! There’s no way you won’t laugh at the many times Charlie sees something that starts making him weak in the knees, or at one of the funny moments he has when he DOES pass out.
Another reason this movie is a hidden gem is the main cast, who have a really good time during the entire thing! Freeman is becoming an actor I enjoy in most projects I see him in. From things like Fargo, to even quick appearances like Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, he has fun and gives it is all! In Ode to Joy, the chemistry between Freeman and Baccarin is enchanting, most of it being Baccarin herself, who is always a delight. Another great addition to the cast is Melissa Rauch of The Big Bang Theory fame, who comes in to play Bethany, a quiet, monotoned, plain-looking — albeit boring — woman who works with Francesca. She’s set up with Charlie, and Francesca and Cooper agree she is “perfect” for him. Their relationship and interactions are pretty humorous, especially when you see Charlie meeting her and realizing he will not be feeling any form of joy when he is with her.
Ode to Joy is not a 10 out of 10, but it has a really interesting premise, a dynamite main cast, and a quick runtime, for an easy and fun watch. It’s a great movie to watch on a lazy Sunday with nothing to do, and I think it will surprise most viewers when they see it!
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