Rock operas tend to be fantastic stories filled with strange characters, imaginative settings, and of course, music. They are filled with a whimsy that is weird and charming. O’Dessa follows the titular farm girl (Sadie Sink, Stranger Things) who has decided to follow in her father’s footsteps as a rambler. Before her journey as a traveling musician can truly begin, she loses a cherished family heirloom. She tracks it down to a dangerous city, where she also finds true love and her destiny.
Obviously, music is an important part of O’Dessa. Fittingly, the film shines during its musical numbers. The mix of country, rock, and soulful ballads are a perfect fit for the main character and always add to the atmosphere. Each song does an excellent job of providing depth to O’Dessa while also moving the plot along. Nothing ever feels out of place and they are the strongest part of the movie.
What makes these moments even better is how great the songs are. There is not a weak one in the bunch. The majority of them are very catchy and will remain with audiences long after O’Dessa has ended. There are some large scale numbers that show off Sink’s on-screen presence but for many the standout will be Prince-like performance from Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr., Mufasa: The Lion King).
O’Dessa has more color than most post apocalyptic films, but also has the dreary hue that is a staple of the genre. Green and purple hues share space with overcast skies and dark alleys. It has an aesthetic that is more punk than cyber, but is still reminiscent of both. This range also adds the mood. There is a sense of desperation and apathy that is only removed by O’Dessa’s music.
The brisk plot makes an odd decision regarding the relationship between O’Dessa and Euri. It just sort of happens instead of developing over time. Thankfully, this is the only time an emotional plot point is not given the proper attention. There is a surprisingly violent battle that O’Dessa has heading into the climax. And the final moments provide the satisfying conclusion expected from this type of adventure.
O’Dessa is screening at South by Southwest. SXSW is taking place from March 7 – March 15.
