The Odyssey Movie Review

Released: 17th July 2026 (UK & US)

Length: 173 Minutes

Certificate: 15

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'O, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page and Benny Safdie

For more than two decades now, Christopher Nolan has remained at the peak of high-budget cinema, his filmography elevated to major events with each new release. Entering uncharted territory, The Odyssey is the latest creation and it will surely be remembered as a masterwork in the pantheon of modern epics.

Based on the Ancient Greek poem, we follow Odysseus (Matt Damon), king of Ithaca and a major general in the Trojan War. He finds himself marooned after a perilous home voyage, leaving the throne wide open to nefarious pretenders. We flash between the father Odysseus, the most infamous moments of the mythical conflict and his return to civilization while the son Telemachus (Tom Holland) embarks on his own search. At its core, The Odyssey is a character-driven story; the protagonist feels immense guilt as the sole survivor and has been cut off from those close to him for years. His strange journey forever changes him as a person and the same empty space is felt by his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) who finds herself set upon by the conniving Antinous (Robert Pattinson). When you look beneath the surface, The Odyssey firmly embraces every theme of Homer’s story. The brutality of war, the degeneration it brings to both man and civilization and the deceitful ways people treat each other. Both sides of the story fully envelope the audience, taking them through too many memorable moments to count. By the end, the deeds of the Trojan War are brought to the forefront and the mournful consequences are laid bare. It says a lot when a near three-hour film goes by so seamlessly.

With one of the biggest and most venerable rosters ever committed to a fantasy film, The Odyssey accomplishes an extremely rare feat; getting the best out of every cast member with just a few minutes of screen-time. Matt Damon and Tom Holland are the central anchors, their individual encounters providing a ton of depth to the plot; they frequently question both themselves and the actions that have unfolded. Anne Hathaway creates visceral grief in Penelope and this is contrasted against the slimy machinations of Antinous. It’s very impressive that Robert Pattinson can create such a great villain who rarely leaves the confines of Ithaca. Jon Bernthal has some great scenes with Tom, delivering his usual gruff persona. Elliot Page returns to work with the director after sixteen years and the role of Sinon underpins everything that unfolds, finding further resonance on a misty island. So too does Zendaya's Athena; she is constantly watching over the protaganist while revealing the war's damaging scars. Even brief roles like Charlize Theron’s Calypso, Benny Safdie as the silent commander Agamemnon and Lupita Nyong’O as both Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra are handled with such professionalism. All told, there isn’t a single weak link in the cast and their talents are fully utilised.

When it comes to immersion, scale and cinematic atmosphere, The Odyssey is unparalleled in its detail. Filmed entirely on IMAX cameras and shot in multiple locations, the biggest screens deliver the full effect with a long line of awesome set-pieces. On top of enormous battle sequences and desperate escapes, we also witness many phenomenal encounters. A claustrophobic tussle with a Cyclops and the full wrath of Zeus buffeting the vessel are just two of the incredible sights. Being based in the fantasy genre, this is the most surreal and warped Nolan has ever been. One sequence involving a lonesome cabin is especially grotesque and most of these elements are handled in plan sight and clever camera placement. It’s an intoxicating illusion that will thrill every audience. The sound design is absolutely phenomenal, a perfect match for every scene and Ludwig Göransson’s score hammers down with immense power.

Powerful, enthralling, thought-provoking and beautifully made, The Odyssey is an incredible production in every way possible. It takes the centuries-old source material and crafts a towering canvas that dwarfs every other blockbuster on the silver screen. There’s simply no better reason to go to the movie theatre this year.

Rating: 5/5 Stars (Exceptional)