Ode to Joy (2019)

Charlie has a neurological disorder where strong emotions, especially joy, make him faint. He lives with his brother. Working as librarian gives him a quiet environment but then Francesca enters the library and his life.

Director:

Jason Winer

Writers:

Max Werner, Chris Higgins (inspired by a story on WBEZ Chicago's "This American Life" by)

Stars:

Martin Freeman, Morena Baccarin, Jake Lacy

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Freeman	...	Charlie
Morena Baccarin	...	Francesca
Jake Lacy	...	Cooper
Melissa Rauch	...	Bethany
Shannon Woodward	...	Liza
Hayes MacArthur	...	Jordan
Adam Shapiro	...	Marvin
Jackie Seiden	...	Jan
Jane Curtin	...	Sylvia
Adam LeFevre	...	Father Dave
Sabrina Sloan	...	Ann
Ollie Seiden	...	Service Dog
Sharon Gee	...	Helen
Ellis Rubin	...	Victor
Willie C. Carpenter	...	Lavelle

Storyline

Charlie suffers from cataplexy, a symptom of narcolepsy that causes sudden bouts of paralysis whenever he experiences strong emotions -- in particular, joy. He develops a variety of techniques to deny himself too much pleasure and happiness, but they're put to the ultimate test when he falls in love.

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Plot Keywords:

indie movie | chronic illness | three word title | romantic relationship | librarian | 

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Taglines:

He's never been happier. And that's the problem.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language and sexual references

Did You Know?

Trivia

This story is loosely based on act 3 of episode 409 of "This American Life" radio program hosted by Ira Glass.

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Goofs

During Marvin and Liza's wedding, when Charlie starts falling, he is beside Cooper and in the next shot, he comes in front of Liza.

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Quotes

Charlie: I know it's fun but there's more to life than fun, you know.

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Crazy Credits

There is an extra scene during the credits, where Charlie and Francesca share a bathroom together. Charlie watches her applying roll-on deodorant and falls asleep in the sink.

User Reviews

Interesting take on cataplexy

Martin Freeman and Morena Baccarin were awesome. Well acted simply put a nice story about the illness. Its not that sad and kinda funny, loved it. Maybe a 6 globally but from me its a solid 7/10.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 August 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ode to Joy

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,568, 11 August 2019

Gross USA:

$17,303

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$22,594

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mosaic, Small Dog Picture Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Color:

Color