X
  • 2019
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2019
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 37 m

Summary How 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...

Directed By: Jason Winer

Written By: Max Werner, Chris Higgins

  • 2019
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 37 m
  • 2019
  • R
  • IFC Films
  • 1 h 37 m

Ode to Joy

Metascore Generally Unfavorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
38
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 7 User Ratings
7.0
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary How 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...

Directed By: Jason Winer

Written By: Max Werner, Chris Higgins

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Unfavorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
38
14% Positive
1 Review
57% Mixed
4 Reviews
29% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Unfavorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
38
14% Positive
1 Review
57% Mixed
4 Reviews
29% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
80
Aug 8, 2019
Everyone has defined, and distinct characters and no one is phoning it in. Just sit back and enjoy this unique romantic comedy.
By Alan Ng FULL REVIEW
50
Aug 10, 2019
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.
By James Berardinelli FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 7 User Ratings
7.0
57% Positive
4 Ratings
43% Mixed
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 7 User Ratings
7.0
57% Positive
4 Ratings
43% Mixed
3 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

50
Aug 9, 2019
A plainly affable romantic comedy that’s not too powerful with its romance, and certainly not its comedy.
By Nick Allen FULL REVIEW
50
Aug 8, 2019
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.
By Jeannette Catsoulis FULL REVIEW
40
Aug 8, 2019
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.
By Frank Scheck FULL REVIEW
30
Aug 9, 2019
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.
By Tomris Laffly FULL REVIEW
30
Aug 8, 2019
The movie was inspired by a real person but nearly everything that happens here plays as phony.
By Noel Murray FULL REVIEW
See All 7 Critic Reviews

Details

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Production Company Mosaic, Small Dog Picture Company
Release Date Aug 9, 2019
Duration 1 h 37 m
Rating R
Genres
Tagline He's never been happier. And that's the problem.
Website https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/ode-to-joy
View All Details

Awards

Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Sedona International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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