Although a few decent tracks from Sadie Sink aren’t sufficient to rescue this Rock Opera from sinking into a cheesy, dystopian abyss, it does attempt to captivate with its unique premise.
EXCITING PLOT SYNOPSIS: This film follows a determined farm girl on an adventurous quest to retrieve a beloved family heirloom that holds great sentimental value. Her journey leads her to a bizarre and perilous city, where she not only confronts external dangers but also discovers her one true love. In a race against time, she must challenge the forces of destiny to save his soul, testing her courage and resolve in unexpected ways.
CRITICAL REVIEW OF O’DESSA: The genre of Rock Opera poses unique challenges for filmmakers, as its operatic style can often feel abstract and daunting. Personally, I have a penchant for these films due to their musical depth, favoring soulful melodies over traditional showtunes. Thus, O’Dessa piqued my interest, especially with a Stranger Things star leading the cast amidst a vibrant, dystopian setting. However, despite these appealing elements, the film struggles to find its footing and deliver a cohesive story that resonates with viewers.
Sadie Sink takes on the role of the titular character, a resilient farm girl setting out on a heartfelt journey to find an important family heirloom after the death of her mother. During her travels, she encounters challenges, including the theft of her guitar, and meets the enigmatic Euri, played by Harrison Jr. While Sink’s vocal prowess shines throughout the film, I found it difficult to connect with her character or her quest. The heirloom serves as a weak plot device, and the romantic subplot fails to enrich the narrative, feeling more like a checkbox than a genuine connection.
Moreover, there’s a peculiar moment that struck me as odd: why did O’Dessa leave her Llama unattended in the pen before embarking on her journey? While I understand she unlocked the gate, it felt like a strange choice for a lead character. This decision foreshadows the awkward choices that plague her character throughout the film. Supporting characters, such as Murray Bartlett and Regina Hall, come across as caricatures rather than authentic individuals, detracting from the film’s intended seriousness. In a different context, their performances might have been entertaining, but here they clash with the film’s tone.
My feelings regarding the music in O’Dessa are mixed. Some songs resonate and evoke emotional responses, yet I often found myself distracted by the audience’s enthusiasm for what I considered mediocre tracks. The film also struggles with a jarring mix of musical genres, largely avoiding the anticipated rock elements in favor of slower ballads. This creates an overly whimsical atmosphere, undermining the narrative’s depth. The concept of music wielding mystical power can be inherently playful, yet this film leans too heavily into that idea, leading to moments that feel overdone.
Visually, O’Dessa presents an appealing aesthetic with vibrant yet not overly saturated landscapes that draw the viewer in. The dreamlike quality of the visuals enhances immersion in this fantastical world, reminiscent of the visual style seen in the Street Trash remake. This aspect stands out as one of the film’s strengths; however, the repetition of certain elements and a lack of cohesive world-building diminish the overall impact. The filmmakers seem unaware of their budget limitations, resulting in some subpar visual effects and set designs that undermine the film’s ambition.
While I found moments of genuine emotion in O’Dessa, and appreciated Sadie Sink as a likable lead, many aspects of the film fell flat. It becomes challenging to empathize with Odessa’s struggles, as the melodrama often overshadows meaningful storytelling. The passage of time within the narrative further dilutes the emotional weight of key events, failing to convey a compelling dramatic arc to the audience. Ultimately, the film remains unclear about its identity, opting for bombastic elements rather than delivering a well-rounded cinematic experience, which is insufficient to justify a feature-length production.
O’DESSA IS NOW STREAMING ON HULU.
Meet the Author: Tyler Nichols
