Searchlight Pictures just dropped the first trailer for O’Dessa, a rock opera set in a post-apocalyptic world where music holds the power to transform destinies. Written and directed by Geremy Jasper (Patti Cake$), the film will have its world premiere at SXSW on March 8 before streaming on Hulu on March 13.
In O’dessa Sadie Sink plays O’Dessa, a farm girl on a quest to reclaim a precious family heirloom. Her journey takes her to Satylite City, a chaotic metropolis ruled by Plutonovich (The White Lotus’ Murray Bartlett), a sadistic entertainment mogul. Along the way, she falls in love with Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), whose soul she must ultimately save through the power of song.
O’Dessa is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant visuals and daring character transformations. Kelvin Harrison Jr., also a talented musician, sports blue hair reminiscent of his Waves days, bringing a touch of familiarity with his fresh, rebellious look.
Then there’s Regina Hall, who is almost unrecognizable as Neon Dion, Plutonovich’s devoted follower. Hall goes all-in on her transformation, rocking a bold makeup look that stretches from her eyes to her hairline, giving her a futuristic edge. Hall’s hair is equally striking—a super short bowl cut in the front with a full head of hair in the back. Notably, she appears to have no eyebrows, further accentuating her character’s unconventional aesthetic.
In a past interview with Variety, Sadie Sink reflected on the challenge of performing live vocals for the film. “There were days where I felt completely fearless, and then moments where I thought, ‘What am I doing?’ But those moments of vulnerability made the experience unforgettable,” she said.
O’Dessa promises to be a genre-defying experience, featuring 16 original songs co-written by Jasper and Jason Binnick. With Geremy Jasper’s signature blend of emotional storytelling and bold visuals, the film is poised to captivate audiences.
Produced by Michael Gottwald and Noah Stahl, O’Dessa is Geremy Jasper’s follow-up to Patti Cake$, continuing his exploration of music as a powerful narrative force.
Catch O’Dessa at SXSW on March 8 or on Hulu starting March 13. Check out the trailer below for a glimpse of the wild, colorful world of O’Dessa.