'O'Dessa': A Bold but Uneven Post-Apocalyptic Musical Fable

The film, now streaming on Hulu and in theaters, blends heroism, romance, and a critique of entertainment's societal role, earning mixed reviews for its ambition and execution.

Sadie Sink delivers a standout performance as O'Dessa, a musician prophesied to save the world with a magical guitar, in this post-apocalyptic musical.
The story critiques entertainment as a tool of oppression, with antagonist Plutonovich hypnotizing the masses through 24/7 broadcasts.
Critics have praised the film's thematic ambition but faulted its inconsistent pacing, underdeveloped narrative, and uneven visual effects.
The central romance between O'Dessa and Euri, played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., is a key focus but has been criticized for stalling the film's momentum.
While the film's music is integral and emotionally engaging in the moment, critics note that the songs lack lasting memorability.