O’Dessa Review: Like Nothing You Have Ever Seen Before

O’Dessa is like nothing you have ever seen before. It is an epic, twisted, brilliant, colorful, tragic love story filled with unforgettable musical performances.

Our 10 Most Anticipated SXSW 2025 Films O'Dessa

O’Dessa is truly like nothing you have ever seen before. It is, by definition, an epic rock opera, but it is so much more. Sadie Sink is phenomenal in the lead role not only proving her acting chops, but her sining skills as well. This film delivers many unforgettable moments with its vibrant storytelling.

This movie likely will not be for everyone. It is a muscial, magicial, tragic journey that will take viewers on a wild ride. From the very second Sadie Sink opens her mouth it becomes clear that she has a true calling. If acting ever stops working out for her, or she becomes bored of it, she could absolutely be a singer. I would buy any album she puts out as she has the voice of an angel.

With sixteen original songs, O’Dessa is very much a rock opera. Writer / Director / Composer Geremy Jasper has been working on this film for years and I can see why he never let the idea go. The world that he created is one that is equal parts terrifying, tragic, and beautiful. The film is visually stunning thanks to bright colors and eccentric characters.

At the start of the movie, I instantly thought of Mad Max. It is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which there are ramblers and cities run by people who don’t always have the best intentions (in fact, they never do).

The general population, or what is left of it, are obsessed with an over-the-top televison personality named Plutonovich (Murray Bartlett) who is one of the best parts of the film. Whenever he is around, I got Fifth Element vibes. He has a decent amount of screentime, but if I am being honest, my only real complaint about O’Dessa is that I wanted to see more of him. Bartlett always gives one hundred and ten percent during his performances and this is yet again another time he does so.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays Euri Dervish, O’Dessa’s love interest, and he was absolutely the perfect choice for this role. Euri is androgynous, sexy, and deeply in need of rescuing. I love the way things are switched up from the normal romantic trope and that O’Dessa becomes his knight in shining armor. O’Dessa is actually quite androgynous as well, which adds an added layer to this film that allows viewers to connect with both characters on a different level.

I cannot talk about O’Dessa without talking about the asthetic of the film. It is colorful and bright, which is the perfect contradiction to the dark and tragic love story. Sink and Harrison Jr. have incredible chemistry. While I can honestly say that I enjoy the musical performances the most out of everything in the film (and lowkey wish there were more), it is the love aspect of the plot that is my favorite. These two shine together and I hope they collaborate on another project soon.

O’Dessa will be streaming on Hulu March 20th and I cannot stress enough how much I wish it was coming to the big screen. This is one of those movies that I feel should be seen on the biggest screen possible, with an audience. Fingers crossed that it will end up getting a limited theatrical release because it deserves it.

I loved stepping into this bizarre, post-apocalyptic world alongside Sadie Sink, who proves herself as a strong lead. That girl has some pipes on her. I will be anxiously awaiting the soundtrack release on vinyl because I am obsessed with every song.

NEXT: The Electric State Review: Millie Bobby Brown Proves Herself Once Again

About O’Dessa

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, O’Dessa is an original rock opera about a farm girl on an epic quest to recover a cherished family heirloom.

Her journey leads her to a strange and dangerous city where she meets her one true love – but in order to save his soul, she must put the power of destiny and song to the ultimate test.

O’Dessa premiered at SXSW 2025.

Hot this week

TAEMIN Conquers Coachella: New Pop Star Emerges

TAEMIN Conquers Coachella: New Pop Star Emerges as ‘#TEAMCHELLA’ Skyrockets to No.1 Worldwide.

The Sheep Detectives Review: A Hilariously Fun Mystery

The Sheep Detectives is a charming mystery that takes viewers on a hilarious journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Global Stars JO1 Announces Their First North American Tour

Global boy group JO1 has announced their first North American tour, along with additional dome shows in Nagoya on July 19 and 20.

Survival Of The Fittest: Netflix’s ‘APEX’ Is A Must-Watch Thriller

Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton clash in the Australian wilderness in APEX, a pulse-pounding, twisted cat-and-mouse thriller you can't miss. 

Stranger Things Reimagined: Eric Robles Shares the Secrets Behind the New Animated Series 

Return to Hawkins with Eric Robles as we discuss the exciting new animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From 85, in this interview.