O'Dessa

4/10 STARS - O'dessa is a musical set in a post-apocalyptic world. I admit the concept alone was a bit of a head scratcher because ... why? I decided to go ahead and screen it anyway and unfortunately it didn't really hit the mark with me. I'm not a huge fan of musicals to begin with (there are some exceptions like Better Man and Sound of Music - both of which I LOVE), but oddly, it wasn't the musical aspect of it that bothered me the most. In the beginning I was getting a little annoyed at how many songs there were in just the first 15-20 minutes of the film, but as the story went along, it wasn't as much of an issue with me, especially since some of those numbers happened during a performance setting so it fit in well enough with the narrative. The problem I have is that while a unique blend of genres can sometimes work well, most of the time they don't. And this was one such time. In many ways, O'dessa doesn't seem to know what it wants to be: powerful, moving musical, post-apocalyptic thriller drama, romance, hero's journey? It couldn't effectively be all four at the same time and consequently, some parts of the plot felt "underbaked" and lacking substance. The romance felt rushed and unearned, and some of the narrative flows felt sloppily stitched together. Another reviewer descried it as a "disjointed music video marathon" and having "style without purpose" and those are great ways to describe it. The acting was fine (I didn't even recognize Regina Hall, because of the wacky haircut she had), but some of the characters did feel a bit over the top and cookie-cutter - especially the main antagonist played by Murray Bartlett. I did enjoy the performance Kelvin Harrison, Jr. Gave us and Sadie Sink did an admirable job at the singing and guitar playing, but ultimately, O'Dessa was a lackluster viewing experience. Quick take video review will be available on my YouTube channel shortly.

I am not sure I can agree with such a low rating for this movie. I can see where some may feel the movie falls short. The plot was alright and lacked some direction at points. However, overall the visuals were fantastic, the music was enjoyable, and the characters were interesting to watch throughout the screening. I feel that anyone that rated it below a 6 did not really understand the movie and I am questioning if they even really watched it at all. I mean it isn't in my top 10 movies probably but it was definitely enjoyable and I would say this was a particularly creative movie. Was great watching sadie sink put on such a unique performance!

O'Dessa may catch your eye with some cool visuals and a few catchy musical moments, but that's pretty much where its strengths end. Sadie Sink is the standout here as she brings a commitment and charisma that makes up a little for the film's weak, contrived plot and shallow character development. Despite the film's ambitious attempts to mix different styles and eras, it ends up feeling like a messy collage without much substance to hold it together.

The movie just can't find a clear direction, with a tonally inconsistent script that feels more like a string of expositions than a well-paced story. While it's fun to see the stylistic nods and moments of creativity, everything else falls flat and leaves you with a feeling that, aside from Sadie's performance, nothing truly resonates.

The songs and actors were absolutely amazing. Its one of a kind of a beautiful love story and about hope and love amongst eachother whom we coexist with. Its was beautiful. The songs and the aesthetic. I love kelvin harrison jr and sadie sink together in this beautiful movie. Who knew a scorpio can make something with so much depth. Lol. This was more that what i thought it was going to be and it filled me with so much more. The main actors have such a bright future ahead for their careers because their movie resume is filled with so much quality. This movie does not deserve such a low rating.

I have no idea why so many reviews have trashed this film (this is actually my first review ever because the rating needs justice) but I suppose that's the nature of art: it's not going to work for everyone.

I was captivated by this film, the story development others claim it lacks I found flushed out in the wordless dialogue prevalent in the actors' expressions, deliberate aesthetics, and, of course, in the songwriting.

The only reason I can't give it the last star is because I wish it was a series; I want to spend more time with these characters in this civilisation that doesn't realise how much it needs the people next to them in order to get their autonomy back.