### *O’Dessa* Review: A Rock Musical That Evokes a Forgotten Cult Classic
In today’s digital landscape, the term “cult classic” has become somewhat diluted, given that nearly everything is readily available online. Yet, *O’Dessa*—a rock musical rich in themes of destiny, defiance, and oppression—captures the essence of what could truly be labeled as such. It’s not merely a film with a dedicated following; it’s an endearing rarity treasured like a sacred relic, with its VHS tapes worn thin from countless viewings. After all, what more could one seek from a rock musical than to serve as an anthem for the marginalized and outcasts?
### A Gender-Bending, Genre-Blending Adventure
Crafted by Geremy Jasper (*Patti Cake$*), *O’Dessa* commences in a barren countryside, where the titular protagonist sings of the fate foretold by her father. She is the Seventh Son, destined to wield her heirloom six-string guitar to emancipate the world from a tyrannical ruler who hoards riches and attention while his people languish.
With nods to queer cult classics like *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* and *The Legend of Billie Jean*, *O’Dessa* constructs a gender-fluid musical that oscillates between electrifying, romantic, grotesque, and thrilling.
### Sadie Sink Captivates as O’Dessa
O’Dessa, depicted by her “dirt-farmer” mother as a “19-year-old with dreams in her eyes,” embarks on her quest from familiar grounds. Portrayed by Sadie Sink, she is a small-town girl aspiring for the chaos and culture of the big city. Her goal is Satylite City, where she hopes to break into television and realize her fate as a “rambler,” akin to her deceased father. Equipped with her guitar and folk-country tunes, she aims to ignite change.
However, the path to greatness is laden with hurdles, from treacherous “train rats” and apathetic pawn shop owners to brutish enforcers and a mysterious lounge singer donned in a fringed mask reminiscent of Orville Peck. The latter, portrayed by Kelvin Harrison Jr. (*Mufasa: The Lion King*, *Cyrano*), becomes crucial to her journey, leading her through a maelstrom of passion, salvation, and vengeance.
In a daring twist on gender norms, O’Dessa—though labeled the “Seventh Son”—is unmistakably female, while the film’s tragic, objectified lounge singer is portrayed by a male. Harrison’s Euri Dervish stands out as a striking character, his charismatic facade hiding a heart longing for genuine connection.
As hinted in the trailer, their love story rapidly develops against a neon-drenched dystopia. Their wedding aspirations even defy conventional gender roles, with O’Dessa sporting a rockabilly tuxedo while Euri chooses a flowing gown and matching red veil. Sink shines as the androgynous, rebellious busker, while Harrison infuses his character with a passionate yet vulnerable spirit. But in Satylite City, love is perilous, particularly under the rule of a dictatorial hand—literally.
### Regina Hall Gives a Show-Stopping Performance as the Villain
Satylite City is presided over by the eternally grinning despot Plutonovich (Murray Bartlett, *The Last of Us*), who keeps the population subdued with grand promises and a relentless stream of self-promotional television broadcasts. Those who dare to stand against him face the fury of his enforcer, Neon Dion, brought to life by the endlessly talented Regina Hall.
Hall, renowned for her seamless transitions between comedy (*Girls Trip*), drama (*Support the Girls*), and psychological horror (*Master*), infuses *O’Dessa* with an electrifying energy. Evoking Grace Jones with her sharply tailored leather ensembles and striking bangs, she radiates both menace and flair. Her brass knuckles, electrified like a Taser, render her a formidable opponent, and even her character’s limp—stemming from a tragic backstory—enhances her intimidating aura.
Despite her villainous role, Neon Dion is impossible to dislike. She is as terrifying as she is captivating, epitomizing a world that is both intoxicating and oppressive. Hall’s performance, complemented by Bartlett’s smirking tyrant, paints a compelling picture of dictatorship—one that is simultaneously alluring and in desperate need of obliteration.
### A Soundtrack That Primarily Soars
At the core of *O’Dessa* lies its music, delivering a varied and dynamic soundtrack. Sink’s O’Dessa experiences a musical evolution, moving from folk-country ballads to raw rock anthems. Harrison’s Euri contributes sultry, nightclub-ready tracks oozing with sensuality. Each song