The Odyssey may just be Christopher Nolan’s best film yet. The long-awaited return of one of cinema’s current greats sees the film of the summer or potentially the year. This film is for the history lovers. ‘The Odyssey’ is a Greek poem, written by Homer and documents Odysseus’s arduous journey from battling the Trojan War to making his way back home to Ithaca. Matt Damon leads this star-studded cast as the marvellously ferocious Odysseus. His determination to win against this perilous journey drives the narrative.
Nothing can quite prepare you for the phenomenon that is The Odyssey. We had the pleasure of viewing Nolan’s latest masterpiece at the UK’s largest cinema screen in London’s BFI IMAX. Marvelling at the spectacular pictures – Nolan makes you want to transcend yourself through the screen and into the story.
Nolan capitalises on his talented cast and utilises each of them to their full potential. Zendaya’s graceful and ethereal Athena fills huge space as Odysseus’s mentor, guiding him through his journey. Boasting the first feature to be fully shot on IMAX 70mm cameras, Nolan’s The Odyssey is as epic as it sounds.
Image: Universal Pictures
The Odyssey: Strong Female Characters
Odysseus leaves behind queen Penelope (Anne Hathaway) who suffers through a heart-rendering longing for his return. In the twenty years that he’s gone, she must look out for their son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). But amidst Ithaca are the glutenous suitors, led by Robert Pattinson’s ruthless Antinous who are after the throne. Although, at one point it feels like a showdown between Holland’s Spider-man and Pattinson’s Batman.
Holland plays an emotional Telemachus who builds strength and experiences a coming-of-age journey from the weak Prince of Ithaca to an upcoming leader. Jon Bernthal’s King Menelaus of Sparta acts as a mentor figure who recounts his experience of the Trojan Horse infiltration to Telemachus who desperately searches to discover the fate of his father.
Following its non-linear narrative, the story switches between Odysseus and Calypso to his past journey and the Penelope-Telemachus storyline back home in Ithaca. Loyal servant, Eunmaeus, played by the glorious John Leguizamo holds Penelope and Telemachus in his best interest and leads by ‘Xenia’ – embodying upmost hospitality alongside Odysseus’s dog, Argos.
Ithaca: A Place Odysseus No Longer Recognises
During the Trojan War sacrifices are made and Elliot Page’s Sinon leads Odysseus’ army through the walls of Troy. But along his journey, Odysseus feels utter hopelessness and despair, anguish, and revenge as he attempts to travel back home to a place, he no longer recognises. As his comrades’ numbers dwindle during the treacherous journey, Odysseus faces multiple powers of opposition.
From the chaotically strange lone villager in Samantha Morton’s fantastically eerie portrayal of Circe, to Charlize Theron’s deeply mystical Calypso. However, Nolan surrounds Odysseus’s world with strong, independent female characters who aren’t afraid to get what they want. It’s as much a portrayal of their own dedicated journeys as it is for Odysseus.
Christopher Nolan At His Very Best
Nolan balances the perfect mix between epic battle sequences and poetic monologues. This isn’t a typical epic; this is Nolan at his very best. With Nolan’s master touch there’s more of a human connection and emotional heart behind this battling mythological masterpiece than any epic that’s come before.
However, its world space is captivating and all-consuming – making its audience feel like Odysseus’s second-in-command. Damon proves he’s still at his acting greatness – never failing to express tear-inducing, heartfelt emotion that takes complete control of the scene.
Stunning cinematic visuals by Nolan’s longtime collaborator, cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema captures the beauty of the outdoors, the sea, and the darkness that enshrouds Ithaca. An epic sweeping mythic score by Academy Award-winning composer and Nolan’s longtime collaborator, Ludwig Göransson manages to both build tension during the fast-paced battle scenes whilst highlighting the melancholic return of Odysseus. However, the stunts have reached a whole new level of cinema greatness.
But the film also has a crossover of genres. There’s epic, action, and horror alongside a romantic backstory that yearns for Odysseus and Penelope to be reunited in their dedicated love story. Although, it’s evident Nolan’s blockbuster is heavily researched with infinite detail that solidifies The Odyssey as a new classic. It’s not just a film; it’s a whole experience. For its 172-minute runtime is worth every minute.
Image: Universal Pictures
The Odyssey: Epic Battles & The Power of the Gods
Greek mythology is at the forefront of this story. Expect Greek Gods and Goddesses, Cyclops, sorceresses, sirens, and much more along Odysseus’s journey. Damon’s supporting cast is gregarious with Charlize Theron, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Lupita Nyong’o, Benny Safdie, and Himesh Patel. Along with former cast members of The Walking Dead. That is Jon Bernthal, Samantha Morton, Corey Hawkins, and Ryan Hurst who all make waves throughout Odysseus’s perilous journey.
The Odyssey’s competitors within the epic subgenre are such films as Troy (2004). This could be viewed as the perfect prequel to events in this film. Nolan’s structure of the ‘hero’s journey’ is clear and strong. The writer-director certainly carves out his own space in the world of epics. Odysseus fights hard, experiences the guilt of fallen comrades, and faces the wrath from the power of the Gods.
Despite being thrown tough obstacles from the Gods, his willpower to survive, return to his family, and reign once again is too fierce to be reckoned with. But in epic battles, regrets are made and it becomes too late to right your wrongs. This is what Odysseus learns throughout his time at war. Even when the physical battle’s over, he’s constantly fighting a mental war.
Much like Nolan’s dark take on Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy, The Odyssey is a dark take on Odysseus’ story. From the Trojan war and Homer’s Odyssey to Greek Gods like Poseidon marks an epic well worth experiencing on the big screen.
Is The Odyssey Christopher Nolan’s best film?
Rating: 5 Stars
The Odyssey is released across UK cinemas on 17th July.
You can read more reviews like Supergirl (2026) here.
