At the beginning of 'The Oh in Ohio,' we are introduced to Priscilla (Parker Posey), a woman reluctant to admit she has a sexual dysfunction - she cannot have an orgasm. We then meet her husband, Jack (Paul Rudd), a man reluctant to admit he has a life dysfunction - depression. My first impression was that Priscilla's problem is just a result of Jack's problem. But we are quickly relieved of this suggestion by a relationship thereapy scene where both characters are surprisingly frank and honest. In fact, Jack's depression is a direct result of Priscilla's problem. This was the first minor tweak on the typical formula that gave me reason to like this overlooked film.
The plot continues in a similar fashion, approaching the staples of a relationship comedy - the couple splits up, the jilted lovers search for satisfaction elsewhere, etc. - with an eye toward reality and a sense of originality. In a lesser film, Priscilla's search for the elusive orgasm might be the entire thrust of the story, but in this film, the search ends rather quickly and even creates new plot complications, leaving Priscilla to raise deeper questions about herself and her quest. Jack's story follows a similar track, adding small tweaks to the trope of a teacher who decides to have an affair with a student (Mischa Barton). Again, the story is more about searching for things in the wrong places.
The film does offer a couple detours into more broad comic territory, including an amusing cameo from Liza Minelli as a quirky sex educator that Priscilla consults to learn about masturbation. Posey is also game for an sequence involving a specifically placed vibrating phone. This is definitely the least original moment in the film, but it recovers nicely, taking another series of interesting detours in the final act.
The director, Billy Kent, has wisely chosen to populate his film with likable, talented semi-known names. Ever-dependable Parker Posey turns in an excellent and nuanced performance that anchors the film. Paul Rudd is perfectly cast and his comic sensibility helps keep the audience interested in a grumpy and self-centered character. The film does allow for some moments that display Jack's better side as a biology teacher, and Rudd seems completely at ease in this skin. Danny DeVito has an interesting minor role as a swimming pool magnate, and he rarely gets the opportunity to be charming as he is here. The weakest link is Barton, who seems a bit more worldly and older than the character seems to require.
In the most simple sense, 'The Oh in Ohio' succeeds because it remembers that good films take an audience on a journey. Familiar scenarios lead to unfamiliar twists and when Priscilla ends up somewhere unexpected at the end of the journey, the viewer might also realize they have reached a conclusion they never expected, but is still satisfying.