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ODE TO JOY
A Review of the 2019 Film
The kind of film that critics hate and one that unfortunately sets itself up for the slaughter. The cataplexy medical condition is a very clever hook but you might feel it's a one-horse joke stretched the length of a movie. But - and here's the big but - 2019's "Ode to Joy" feels so much better than that.
Writing, acting chops and Director's Jason Winer's life-affirming warmth permeates this unnervingly romantic and hopeful film, lifting it up above cliché. "Ode to Joy" is smarter than its limiting premise and often goes to a place where it’s actually profound and moving especially when dealing with internalised pain and the hang-ups most all of us have and find hard to deal with.
Not only does it have a really brilliant script (courtesy of Max Werner) that constantly allows the actors to stretch and laugh and look foolish if needs be - it hosts four great leads in the shape of Martin Freeman and Morena Baccarin playing Charlie and Francesca, an unlikely couple trapped in their own bubbles, criss-crossing lovers with Jake Lacy with Melissa Rauch who play Charlie's younger brother Cooper and the super-factoid-obsessed Bethany.
As couples go, this is nerd-central. And yet across the viewing hours, the set scenes are cleverly done, bringing out each character’s journey to the place they are now – compromised and needing to escape mental prisons. The reality of Charlie's uncontrollable sleep-inducing muscle-failing narcolepsy that can and always has made him a laughing stock, comes home in the little slashes everyday life throws at him. But as funny and pithy as "Ode To Joy" is in places, you also get the cruel sickle of pain and how it debilitates a person (mostly through other people's lack of understanding). Charlie can't hope for hope because even that in itself, might kill him if he faints in the wrong set of circumstances.
The only slight glitch in all of this soul-searching comedy is an obvious one – the sheer gobsmacking beauty and sexiness of the Brazilian actress Morena Baccarin – a woman who would probably elicit a full on heart attack in any sane man who comes within ten paces of her. Baccarin and her va-va-voom Francesca look stunning in this film, and I mean in every single scene too. So it is a hard sell getting us mere mortals to believe that in the real world her character would even consider someone as fundamentally damaged as Charlie – let alone see him as a 'love interest'.
The truly captivating Melissa Rauch is sexy too but in a different more bookworm kind of a way. But despite these considerable odds - both leading ladies are quietly sensational in this film - given real meat to work with – and they know it. Their leading men did well to keep up. Martin Freeman in particular is brilliant – fleshing out a real person from material that could have quickly seen his library-safe Charlie descend into a caricature – even a person the audience hates and pities. But he at least has a brother who has his back and a motley crew of friends at work who are glad to see he is finally taking chances despite the fear and dangers. All this and there's a touching final reel after the credits you will want to see.
"Ode To Joy" may seem like a cornball title for a film, maybe even a tad cheesy and reaching (there will be those who loathe this for sure). But, in truth, it reached me and I'm certain it will do the same for many others too. A rather lovely and life-affirming surprise and well done to all involved...
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