Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Ode to Nothing Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 28, 2022

The escalating ways of loneliness are explored in 2018’s “Ode to Nothing,” which examines a most unusual relationship between a funeral home owner who finds comfort in the presence of a fresh corpse. The premise is ripe for a slapstick take, but writer/director Dwein Baltazar strives to find the emotional pull of such a partnership, offering a serious take on the pains of isolation and social anxieties. “Ode to Nothing” has issues with indulgence, as Baltazar delivers a slow-burn vision for the tale, favoring extended shots that feel unnecessary, but she has an original take on heartache, and the lead performance from Marietta Subong is a richly observed understanding of character distress.

Sonya (Marietta Subong) is a fortysomething woman living with a father who shows no interest in her, and debt is threatening to take her funeral home business away. When a strange, older woman is dumped on her, Sonya soon begins to talk to the unclaimed body, learning to trust the corpse with her secrets as she struggles to make human connections and cure her aching loneliness.

Everything is deliberate in “Ode to Nothing,” with Baltazar favoring long takes and real-time activities with the picture. Such static screen life is meant to be meaningful, but viewers will quickly understand Sonya’s headspace. The story improves with the introduction of the body, giving Sonya a therapeutic relationship as she begins confiding in the dead person, finally feeling the release of a relationship, which inspires a few bolder acts of outside communication.

Ode to Nothing Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation delivers a desaturated look at the depressed mood for "Ode to Joy." Colors are darker, gloomier, but spot-on throughout the viewing experience. Brighter hues emerge with costuming and interior decoration. Skintones are natural. Detail is generally strong, offering a dimensional look at interiors and exteriors, with Baltazar offering lengthy shots built for frame exploration. Skin surfaces on the living and dead are appreciable, with appealing textures. Delineation is satisfactory.

Ode to Nothing Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix preserves the gentle mood of "Ode to Nothing," leading with crisp dialogue exchanges that occasionally dip into softer, emotional moments. Music is sparingly used, but it remains clear, with sharp instrumentation and vocals. Atmospherics create distinct placement into the world, with buzzing insects and random street life.

Ode to Nothing Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (22 pages) contains essays by cinematographer Neil Daza, production designer Maolen Fadul, and Elmo Gonzaga.

• Interview (1918, HD) is a video conference chat with writer/director Dwein Baltazar, who explores the making and meaning of "Ode to Nothing." A few stretches of BTS footage are also included.

• And a Trailer (1:26, HD) is included.

Ode to Nothing Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Ode to Nothing" gets weirder, but never crazier, keeping the tale is human as possible as Sonya experiences an awakening of feelings in this unusual situation. The writing remains eccentric at times, but attentive to the characters and their primal needs, making for an interesting study of relationships and coping mechanisms.