O’Dessa Misses the Mark as a Rock Opera – Review

‘O’Dessa’ lacks the punch of a true rock opera.

Geremy Jasper’s latest film, O’Dessa, is an ambitious cinematic experiment that blends arthouse musical aesthetics with steampunk and dystopian sci-fi influences. While the film showcases a strong lead performance from Sadie Sink, it ultimately stumbles in its execution, leaving viewers with an experience that feels more like a fragmented indie cult film from the 90s rather than the epic rock opera it was advertised to be.

O’Dessa follows a farm girl in a post-apocalyptic future on a quest to retrieve a cherished family heirloom.

Along the way, she finds love and must use the power of music and destiny to save her partner’s soul. The premise holds potential, and expectations were high with Jasper’s track record from Patti Cake$. However, the film struggles to deliver a compelling narrative, instead meandering through loosely connected musical sequences that feel more like a series of experimental vignettes than a cohesive story.

Sadie Sink proves that she has the vocal chops for a musical role, and her performance is a film highlight. However, her talent is undercut by a lackluster script that fails to give her character meaningful depth. Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, and Regina Hall round out the supporting cast, but their characters often feel underdeveloped or confined to odd, underwhelming subplots that contribute little to the film’s momentum.

One of O’Dessa’s biggest missteps is its misleading marketing. Promoted as an epic rock opera, the film lacks the energy, grit, and raw emotion that define the genre. Instead, the soundtrack leans more toward atmospheric, indie-inspired compositions that, while well-crafted, fail to deliver the punch of a true rock musical. Fans expecting something extreme when it comes to the genre may find themselves disappointed by the film’s softer, more abstract approach.

At 2 hours and 10 minutes, O’Dessa feels overly long, with slow pacing that exacerbates its narrative shortcomings. While visually striking, the film often prioritizes style over substance, making it a difficult watch for audiences seeking a more engaging and dynamic story.

Verdict

I give O’Dessa 2.5 out of 5 stars. In the end, it is an intriguing but flawed project that never quite finds its footing. With a more focused vision and a stronger sense of what a rock opera should embody, it could have been a groundbreaking musical experience. Instead, it remains an ambitious swing that, unfortunately, misses.

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