When I first saw that this movie, Odyssey, would be at SXSW, I actually thought it was going to be a different movie of a similar name. That movie doesn’t make its debut until 2026. Thankfully, though, I read this movie’s description of a coke-fueled real estate agent getting herself into some trouble. Okay, I’m listening. To be honest, that other movie and boring cast line-up make me want to take a very long nap. This movie screams “WATCH ME”.
So, it’s fair to say I was pretty interested and excited to see another female-led crime thriller. I’m all about femme representation. I love my horror, and with that comes an interest in crime, drama, and thrillers. Many times they go hand in hand. Odyssey begins with that aforementioned coke-fueled real estate agent already way over her head in debt with her business and personal debts. This girl needs to figure out how to get out of this mess.
She’s a bitch, I’m a bitch, and that’s okay
I do want to make one thing clear very early on. Don’t worry, no spoilers here. I feel you can know this bit of information without it ruining a good time at a movie. Our female lead is not likable at all. She’s a bitch, rude, jealous, in debt due to her addictions and stealing from her own company. I did tell you she wasn’t likable, remember? For me, though, that can actually make things fun and keep my interest even when the movie is lacking. And unfortunately, this movie fell a few times.
Odyssey has a long 110-minute runtime, and it definitely feels like it. I don’t say this to be a mean girl. Instead, I point it out because a cool 90-minute runtime could have been used to tighten up the storyline much better. The movie gets confusing at times because it tries to put too much story into a longer movie. Many times when watching movies, I feel like we don’t need that much backstory. It’s okay for a character to be complicated and for us not to know their whole history. Writers, use this to your advantage.
Now comes the sugar
It’s not all missteps along the journey, though. I love a good action film, and Odyssey definitely delivered with a fun action sequence. There’s a reason that so many people have flocked to watch John Wick – heart pounding, music thumping, action sequences. Odyssey had fun here, and the audience in the theater did as well. I know I did. I wouldn’t say it makes the 110-minute runtime worth it, but I would say that I see what you were trying to do.
From the beginning, we’re never quite sure if we’re supposed to root for our lead or merely follow along her journey, and I’m okay with that. However, I will say that the letdown in this movie, for me, is that I’m left wondering what the hell is going on way too much. I don’t mind a head-scratcher in my thrillers, but a muddled story that confuses rather than intrigues can turn me away.
I won’t go so far as to say if you should miss out on this movie or not, but just be prepared for those moments. It could definitely benefit from a bit less storytelling. There were times the movie ran too slow and should have just cut the excess. Odyssey really should have taken after the lead actress and kicked things into high gear much sooner with a little something something, if you know what I mean.
