SXSW: ‘O’Dessa’ May Be Overstuffed But It Still Rocks

Written and directed by Geremy Jasper, O’Dessa stars Sadie Sink, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett,  Mark Boone Junior, Pokey LaFarge, Bree Elrod, and Regina Hall. Celebrating its world premiere at SXSW, the original rock opera throws audiences into a dystopian, post-apocalyptic future.

O’Dessa (Sadie Sink), the film’s titular character, is a farm girl raised by a single mom. When her mom passes away, she starts on an epic quest to recover a cherished family heirloom and learns more about who she is in the process and what’s important to her.

The film starts in a scenic desert, heralding country music. Then, it switches to a starkly contrasted dystopian city. It’s strange and dangerous, but she falls in love there with Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). But when he’s taken, O’Dessa has to save his soul while the entire city watches for Plutonovich’s (Murray Bartlett) enjoyment.

Sexy and vibrant, the film throws everything it has at its soundtrack with a bevy of original songs that span genres: rock, country, and, of course, a satirical take on corporately produced pop. The film doesn’t seem like much on paper, but in execution, its attention to humanity, creativity, and love rings loud and clear.

The film is stylish above all else, with costuming that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, as any dystopian story should. Sink’s fashion evolves as she does throughout the film. Androgyny and beauty are key to her look, as they are for Euri as well.

Sadie Sink makes O’Dessa (2025) work, even when its narrative struggles. 

The songs are triumphant, and the film’s embrace of country music reminds viewers of the power of the genre. Jasper’s approach to spectacle is never to lose its heart, even when themes transition and the dystopian cityscapes become overwhelming. This rock opera is the definition of excess, and Sadie Sink holds it together, even when Jasper’s script seems to spread its narrative so thin that it begins to come apart at the seams. There is too much of a good thing, too much of just fine things, and ultimately, even as a rock opera, it feels like ambition takes its toll.

Sadie Sink takes on so much responsibility in this film and doesn’t crack under that weight. Her voice is unmatched and a solid foundation for the film to revolve around. A coming-of-age story of sorts, O’Dessa is both physically and mentally in a different space than she is in the beginning. Sink’s ability to transform on screen is essential. For her part, villainy looks good on Regina Hall as Neon Dion, even if there just needed more material for her to chew on.

Decadent and neon, O’Dessa’s original songs are wonderful, to say the least, and something special. The music remains clear even when the film ventures into mind-bending territories with one too many twists. Overstuffed? Sure. Styled to high heaven? Absolutely. Ultimately, Geremy Jasper’s sophomore film is set to find its audience easily, especially with songs this good.

O’Dessa screened as a part of SXSW 2025 and will premiere on Hulu March 20, 2025.