Odd Thomas (2013)

Odd Thomas Poster

In a California desert town, a short-order cook with clairvoyant abilities encounters a mysterious man with a link to dark, threatening forces.

Film Overview
"Odd Thomas" was adapted from the novel of the same name written by Dean Koontz in 2003. Released in 2013, the film was directed by Stephen Sommers. The eponymous character, Odd Thomas, is depicted by Anton Yelchin. He's clairvoyant and utilizes this unique capability to resolve criminal offenses. The film blends aspects of secret, thriller, and supernatural scary with light-hearted humor. Other primary actors include Willem Dafoe and Addison Timlin.

Plot Summary
The movie places us into the life and mind of Odd Thomas, a boy with an uncommon name that compares with his supernatural capabilities. In addition to seeing spirits of the dead, Odd Thomas sees ominous creatures, called bodachs, which are drawn to evil. These capabilities lead him to a peaceful life as a short-order cook in a town, where he utilizes his powers to resolve criminal offenses and bring justice for the dead, assisted by his sweetheart Stormy and Chief Porter (Willem Dafoe).

Dispute and Resolution
The main plot starts when Odd Thomas notices a customer, whom he labels "Fungus Bob", attracting numerous bodachs, suggesting an approaching catastrophe. Quickly he and Stormy uncover a plot including hellish rituals and mass murder which they need to stop to conserve their town. The action climaxes in a shopping mall where Odd is required to conquer personal tragedy to stop the attack without revealing his powers or interrupting the natural flow of life and death.

Noteworthy Aspects
"Odd Thomas" is driven by its wacky humor, supernatural components, and plot twists throughout the storyline. The film binds these components efficiently, offering a distinct narrative that is both thrilling and emotionally rewarding. Anton Yelchin delivers an appealing performance as the title character, with his charm and validity keeping viewers engaged. Although the ending is tragic, with the shocking death of Stormy, the movie leaves audiences with a tip of optimism for Odd's future experiences.

Conclusion
"Odd Thomas" succeeds in equating a popular literary character and his world to the cinema while keeping to the heart of the Dean Koontz book. The movie is a hidden gem that breaks away from common mystery thrillers by linking light-hearted humor with supernatural and thrilling aspects, using an enjoyable and dramatic journey filled with unexpected twists, which highlight Anton Yelchin's fascinating representation of the uniquely talented protagonist.

Top Cast

  • Anton Yelchin (small)
    Anton Yelchin
    Odd Thomas
  • Addison Timlin (small)
    Addison Timlin
    Stormy Llewellyn
  • Willem Dafoe (small)
    Willem Dafoe
    Wyatt Porter
  • Gugu Mbatha-Raw (small)
    Gugu Mbatha-Raw
    Viola Peabody
  • Nico Tortorella (small)
    Nico Tortorella
    Simon Varner
  • Patton Oswalt (small)
    Patton Oswalt
    Ozzie P. Boone
  • Kyle McKeever (small)
    Kyle McKeever
    Officer Bern Eckles
  • Melissa Ordway (small)
    Melissa Ordway
    Lysette Spinelli
  • Leonor Varela (small)
    Leonor Varela
    Odd's Mother
  • Shuler Hensley (small)
    Shuler Hensley
    Fungus Bob Robertson
  • Matthew Page (small)
    Matthew Page
    Harlo Landerson