Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey (2026): Masterpiece or Overhyped? - Film Review
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
The Odyssey is a masterpiece of filmmaking and a masterclass of direction. Christopher Nolan invites you into a realised, immersive world of catastrophe and mystique. The Odyssey is a work of fiction and yet Nolan is able to breathe new life into it. This story is not new, in fact it is almost 3000 years old and yet, it is rejuvenated for modern audiences which modern language and intelligent non-linear storytelling.
The story follows King Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his treacherous journey back home to his wife (Ann Hathaway) and son (Tom Holland), as he faces deadly monsters and vengeful gods to survive. The Odyssey is ultimately a story about coming home, the drive and determination to return. It’s a story rooted in family and I think Nolan was about to always bring it back to this focus. Despite the monsters, creatures and battles the film always reminded us of family.
The Odyssey was entirely captured on IMAX cameras. The logistics and technical skill to accomplish this is a historical cinematic feat in itself, not to mention Christopher Nolan daring camera work, astonishing landscapes and breathtaking cinematography from Hoyte van Hoytema. The film is crystal clear, the desaturated, cool-toned colour palette floods over the frame and engulfs you in the poetic scenes and magical surroundings.
Ludwig Göransson’s score is just as eerie as it is ethereal, combining the themes of the story itself. Perfectly embodying the dread and terror of the films plot whilst evoking the hope and dedication for Odysseus to return home. I was enamoured by the score, particularly the scene cyclops that rippled goosebumps all over my body.
Matt Damon is an Everyman, a relatable superhero of some sorts. His Odysseus acts as the core, the anchor of this story that keeps everyone else afloat. Damon gives a physically and emotionally draining performance that is a triumph to behold and I personally believe one of his best to date, I was enamoured by him, compelled by him and quite frankly I would have followed him to the ends of the earth too. Odysseus represents the blind persistence and dedication one has to make it home, to survive. Damon was able to embody the essence of Odysseus, mind, body and soul. He was a magnetic on screen, the battle scenes were believable and his performance was easily the most moving and memorable of the whole film.
Himesh Patel played the role of Eurylochus, Odysseus’s second-in-command. He serves as a critical counterweight to Odysseus throughout the journey, a voice of reason when Odysseus’ plans sound like suicide. Patel had a vital role in the film, he assisted Odysseus for as long as he could and I thought Patel brought raw believability and strength to a role which could easily be forgotten. He commanded my attention and knowing the actors actually learnt how to sail those boats and withstand those conditions made their performances all the more immersive and tangible.
Despite Zendaya’s role being physically minuscule in comparison to the rest of the cast, I wanted to highlight it as I thought she was cast beautifully and because Athena is pivotal in Odysseus’ journey. She serves as a mentor and a protector who appears to Odysseus to guide him throughout his journey. She brought a very soft, raw performance to the god Athena and it was peaceful, when she appeared on screen I almost sighed with relief to think Odysseus was in safe hands, for a few moments.
Tom Holland’s performance as Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, is a core component to the story. What starts as a young passive, powerless prince of Ithaca soon matures into a decisive leader and I thought Tom was cast well, this was a step in a difference direction for Holland and I think he gave a credible performance. Although, I don’t believe he was the strongest choice for the role, I do still think he committed and held his own against the powerhouse of talent in this feature but not the most memorable performance of the film.
Ann Hathaway’s Penelope is the queen of Ithaca and the devoted wife of Odysseus, despite her king’s disappearance she stays loyal to him and refuses to remarry. Hathaway was forthright, she was powerful and she was able to balance the role of mother and queen well. In saying that, I did find Penelope was nondescript, she wasn’t a very fleshed out character just a deserted wife and I wish we got more insight into her inner turmoil. That isn’t necessarily Hathaway’s responsibility but I did find her performance was forgettable.
Elliot Page plays Sinon, an agent of the Greeks who misleads the Trojans, encouraging them to bring the Trojan Horse inside the city. Elliot Page has a very small role in this film but what he did was impactful, I thought he represented the character of Sinon convincingly and made some bold choices. Particularly the moment with Hades in the underworld, I had chills during this scene.
I believe Robert Pattinson to be one of the most versatile actors working today and in the role of Antinous he added to his ever growing repertoire. Antinous is a violent, mean-spirited, cocky character who lies and cheats and defiles Odysseus' home while the hero is lost at sea. Pattinson had a small part in this film, I was expecting to see more of him but the moments we got with Antinous were pure evil. I loved the subtly of his performance and the essence of a weak, spineless traitor he was so effortlessly able to convey. A small but worthy role.
John Leguizamo Eumaeus’s acts as the wise old owl, a loyal advisor who blindly serves the Queen whilst Odysseus is lost, waiting anxiously for his return. Leguizamo is a powerful actor, a performer who can bring comedy and tragedy to a single scene. His performance as Eumaeus was heartwarming and heartbreaking, he had several unforgettable moments and one liners in this film that stuck with me. His role may have been a small one but he acted with conviction and stole the screen in every scene he was in.
The Odyssey is a spectacle and it is a technical feat, it deserves to be seen on the largest screen you can find because the experience is beyond immersive. You are catapulted into chaos, into magic, into a treacherous journey for which you will not escape for 2h 52m. The run time is long, for my liking a little too long but I would be wrong to say the time wasn’t used wisely. The Odyssey is a visual feast for the eyes, a monumental piece of filmmaking with grotesque battle scenes, heartbreaking battles and unforgettable mythical moments. You’d be wrong to miss it on the big screen. Particularly Mia Goth, her role was tiny but she stuck out like a sore thumb.
But why isn’t The Odyssey a 5/5 film for me? Well, I had a few reservations after I left the screening and one was the enormous cast of talent but lack of really memorable performances. Each actor brought their best to screen but I found that very few were able to reach Matt Damon’s intensity on screen, I found most of the performances around him to feel a little flat in comparison and considering this is an epic ensemble feature, I did expect more.
I am also curious why Nolan opted for modern english over old english, I understand The Odyssey is a fictional text and originates from Ancient Greece but I sometimes found the modern english dialogue to take me out of the immersive landscapes.
The runtime was roughly 30 minutes too long. Most moments away from Matt Damon’s Odysseus ran long and I found myself longing to be back to his story.
Probe Points
★★★★.5
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