O'Dessa is the kind of musical drama that makes you pick up the phone and call someone just to rave about it. Directed by Geremy Jasper, the 2025 film presents a unique blend of drama, music, and musical elements, making it a compelling movie for anyone who appreciates a solid tale woven with melodic threads. In this movie review, let's dive deep into the whimsical yet gritty world Jasper has created and determine if it stands among the best musical movies of the decade.
The plot unfolds with our protagonist, played by the ever-charming Sadie Sink—who, by the way, has come a long way from Hawkins, Indiana, battling Demogorgons. She portrays a farm girl on a quest to retrieve a cherished family heirloom. Her journey leads her to a strange and dangerous city, a setting that oozes mystery and adventure. Along the way, she discovers love in an unexpected place, and what ensues is a test of destiny's power—imagine a world where destiny isn't some vague concept but a tangible force trying to rearrange lives. Sounds thrilling, right?
Sink's performance might remind one of a modern-day Dorothy, set in a Wizard of Oz-esque narrative, albeit more sinister and musically inclined. Murray Bartlett and Regina Hall bring a supporting cast that radiates authenticity, adding depth to the film's emotional layers. As for Kelvin Harrison Jr., he portrays Sink’s love interest with such soulful vulnerability that it almost makes you believe in love at first sight. The cinematography beautifully captures the contrasting worlds of her rural origins and the complex, dangerous city—the two stark worlds she's straddling. And Jasper's screenplay? It's like poetry in motion, folks, interspersed with songs that could easily top the charts!
Did I just get a bit nostalgic thinking about past musical films? Maybe. I couldn't help but compare O'Dessa to the likes of La La Land with its captivating tunes and The Greatest Showman's whimsy. Where it shines, though, is in its daring embrace of drama and suspense, adding layers much like Les Misérables. But don't mistake the familiar framework for predictability—Jasper keeps the narrative adventurous and fresh.
If you're as much a sucker for musicals as I am, O'Dessa is a must-watch film. It's not just about song and dance; it's a cinematic masterpiece that speaks to the unpredictability of life and love. So, fire up your streaming service, grab some popcorn, and let yourself be swept away by Geremy Jasper's magical storytelling. Don't miss out!