Sadie Sink Sings for Her Supper in O’Dessa

O’Dessa is one of those films that feels like an experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This post-apocalyptic musical adventure that will stream on HULU is bursting with color, music, and some seriously impressive CGI. Read on for a spoiler-free review of the movie O’Dessa starring Sadie Sink and Regina Hall.

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The basic premise of this HULU movie is simple: O’Dessa, a farm girl, embarks on a quest to recover a cherished family heirloom, which leads her to a dangerous city where she finds love, destiny, and a whole lot of trouble. Sounds solid, right? The thing is, the plot feels a little incomplete. For one, it’s never quite explained why O’Dessa leaves her farm in the first place. Sure, one could assume she’s fulfilling some destiny to become a rambler (a nomad guitarist bringing music to the people) but the film never outright confirms this. It’s also never explained as to why O’Dessa’s father never returns or how a group of conmen know him. These are small but noticeable gaps in the film.

Now, here’s where O’Dessa truly shines. The cinematography? Really well done. The way color is used throughout the film, especially in contrast with the more desolate, washed-out landscapes of the post-apocalyptic setting, creates an almost dreamlike quality. The CGI is well done too. The way the film integrates the plasma effects is pretty jarring. If you’re the type to get lost in the “look” of a film, you’re in for a treat.

If the movie plot stumbles a little, the music picks up some of the slack. O’Dessa is, at its core, a musical, and it embraces that identity wholeheartedly and it’s one of the rare musicals that HULU streams. Sadie Sink, who plays the lead, proves she has a fine voice, and she carrys several key musical moments with ease. The songs themselves feel both organic to the story and catchy enough to stick in your head after the credits roll. If you enjoy films where the music is just as important as the dialogue, this one won’t disappoint.

Acting-wise, O’Dessa delivers some memorable performances. Regina Hall is a proper villain, bringing just the right amount of menace without going over the top. Meanwhile, Murray Bartlett seems to be having an absolute blast in his role as a Hunger Games-style game host, leaning into the garishness of his character with just the right balance of silliness and intimidation. It’s clear the cast had fun with their roles, and that energy translates to the screen.

So, is the movie O’Dessa on HULU worth your time? If you appreciate cool visuals, solid music, and a bit of quirky world-building, then yes you may enjoy O’Dessa. The story might not be the most fleshed out, and you might have a few lingering questions when the credits roll, but the film’s sheer style and energy make up for it. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.