Disney Plus has just added a new musical movie featuring a Stranger Things star that fans say is ‘epic’ and ‘twisted’.
O’Dessa, starring Netflix star Sadie Sink, has divided opinions among viewers and critics, with some hailing it as a game-changer in the rock opera genre.
The musical has premiered exclusively on Disney Plus in the UK today (March 20) and tells the story of a young farm girl navigating a treacherous post-apocalyptic world to reclaim a priceless family heirloom.
Along the way, she finds herself in a strange and perilous city where she discovers true love. But with her loved one’s soul hanging in the balance, she must harness the power of fate and music to rescue him.
Boasting a dozen original songs, the film’s soundtrack was also released simultaneously, giving fans a chance to immerse themselves in the musical experience, reports Surrey Live.
Though O’Dessa has struggled to win over critics, securing a modest 50 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes so far, some reviewers have lavished praise on the film. One critic raved: “O’Dessa is like nothing you have ever seen before. It is an epic, twisted, brilliant, colourful, tragic love story filled with unforgettable musical performances.”
Another reviewer echoed the sentiment, saying: “[Director] Geremy Jasper has unleashed a pulsating, vibrant vision that’s set to redefine the rock opera genre for a new generation.”
While opinions on O’Dessa are mixed, it’s clear that Sink’s latest project has sparked a lively conversation among film enthusiasts. A reviewer from Mashable lauded the film, enthusing: “O’Dessa feels less like a new movie and more like an old lost gem, finally uncovered. It’s an intoxicating pastiche of colour and sound, joy and pain.”
However, opinions are split, as evidenced by another comment: “It feels as if a collection of fantasy and dystopian science fiction archetypes have been poured into a blender and swirled around to produce the script and visuals.”
Adding to the critical voices, another commentator expressed their lukewarm reception but suggested there might be some redeeming qualities for audiences: “This film, headed straight to Hulu [in the US] shortly after its SXSW debut, might still be enjoyed without trying to think too much, focusing only on the music and ignoring the dialogue, story, and uneven imagery that ties it all together.”
The audience too has begun weighing in on O’Dessa. A fan remarked: “The music is great, Sadie Sink is insanely talented, but O’Dessa is meh.”
Reflecting on the movie, someone else summarised their opinion online with: “O’Dessa is Walk Hard meets Jupiter’s Ascending and my god I wish it was any good.”
Nevertheless, some viewers found charm in its perceived shortcomings: “O’Dessa is big and earnest and dopey and I loved every second of it.”
Meanwhile, one moviegoer encapsulated their experience by saying: “O’Dessa is a flawed but incredibly fun ride with great music and a great performance from Sadie Sink.”
O’Dessa is streaming now on Disney+