Critical response
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 43% of 42 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5/10.
Elisabeth Vincentelli of The New York Times said O'Dessa is a bold and intriguing musical, praised its energetic style, and found Sadie Sink's performance solid, especially her singing. She stated that the film's postapocalyptic setting was creative but noted that its mix of elements sometimes felt uneven. Vincentelli appreciated the movie's music, highlighting its blend of emo Americana and power ballads, and found Regina Hall's performance as a flamboyant villain especially entertaining. [12] Kristy Puchko of Mashable praised O'Dessa as a gender-bending, visually vibrant rock musical with a rebellious spirit. She highlighted Sink's performance as the androgynous heroine and Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s role as her romantic counterpart, noting the film's playful subversion of gender expectations. Puchko was particularly impressed by Hall's character and the movie's blend of surreal production design and punk energy. While she found most of the soundtrack spectacular, she felt the climatic song lacked the power and boldness needed to deliver a truly unforgettable finale. [13]
William Bibbiani of TheWrap complimented O'Dessa's for its energetic and bracing approach, highlighting Sink's strong performance and the film's blend of rock musical and post-apocalyptic elements. He appreciated the movie's exploration of music's power and limitations, stating that it succeeds in depicting a world where art plays a role in resistance. Bibbiani found the film's visual style inconsistent due to its mix retro sets and CGI, but still enjoyed the costume design and character dynamics. He also noted that the soundtrack, while effective in the moment, lacked lasting impact. [14] Randy Myers of The Mercury News describing O'Dessa's as a visually striking yet flawed dystopian musical. He noted that while the film has the potential to become a cult classic like Tommy or The Wall, it ultimately falls short due to underdeveloped storylines, drawing a parallel to the issues that hindered Megalopolis. Myers praised Sink for her performance, showcasing her talent as both an actor and singer. He also highlighted the film's energy and boldness but found it lacking in emotional investment, which could prevent viewers from caring about the characters' fates. [15]
