Product Info

Studio

Universal Pictures

Director

Christopher Nolan

Genre

Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Rated

R

Theatrical Release Date (NA)

Jul 17, 2026

Film Length

2hr 52min

Purchase From

The Odyssey is a spectacular film that captures the compelling story of Homer’s Greek epic, Odyssey. Its cinematography, strong cast, and storytelling within three hours make it a must-watch film of the year.

A Long Voyage

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Taking place after the fall of Troy, King Odysseus of the Ionian island of Ithaca embarks on a treacherous journey back to Ithaca, where he is challenged by the gods and trials from mythical creatures such as the Cyclops, Sirens, and more. Elsewhere, his son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Impossible), and his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway (Les Misérables, Interstellar), hold off a hoard of suitors from marrying Penelope to take over as the new king.

This mythology-based film, adapted from one of the most well-known stories, provides director Christopher Nolan (Interstellar, Oppenheimer) with ample creative opportunities and a lot of playing field to work with. The film doesn’t tell every little detail of Homer’s original story and condenses some of the scenarios, such as Aeolus and the Bag of Winds; modifies the scenario of the Lotus-Eaters; and shortens the time length with Circe so that the film’s pacing stays steady and within three hours. Homer’s original story is quite lengthy, and for Nolan to modify it to fit and pace it with a star-studded cast is an accomplishment. You’d have to make a multi-part film just to accomplish every line of Homer’s poetry, and I’m sure there were many more scenes that were trimmed down to fit within the time limit Nolan wanted. If there was anything I would have liked to see more of, it was some of the mythological creatures, such as the Sirens, not just from afar.

The film starts off with the current events at Ithaca, where we see Telemachus, Penelope, Odysseus’ servants, and the suitors. When stories of Odysseus are brought up, the film transitions to the past of his voyage. The first thirty minutes are a build-up of the story and characters on the island. The film then dives into Odysseus’ adventure, where we see him talking to Calypso, played by Charlize Theron (Monster, Mad Max: Fury Road). Odysseus recollects his memories of his army and the voyage they took. The film alternates between the present and the past, gradually building the story until it reaches the final arc, which is executed superbly.

The film showcased a more serious tone, and every part of Odysseus’s adventure kept the movie entertaining. The process of landing on islands to grab food and supplies but running into trouble such as the Cyclops and facing the wrath of gods while voyaging out at sea showcased how challenging this long voyage home is.

The blockbuster film carries a strong set of actors from main to side characters. Matt Damon displays a variety of emotions while carrying the tactical thinking and intelligence of the Greek warrior. Tom Holland demonstrated that he can take on more significant roles beyond just Spider-Man without overshadowing the story. Anne Hathaway gives a strong presence and portrays restraint in her emotions. Zendaya (Dune: Part Two, The Greatest Showman) as Athena is composed and quiet. Elliot Page (Juno, Inception) as Sinon and Robert Pattinson (Twilight, The Batman) as Antinous were outstanding in their roles. Robert showcased that mean-spirited vibe while defying Odysseus’ home; it drew the crowd to dislike him as a character and played it well. Overall, the cast did a remarkable job and didn’t overstep their roles in a way that could have outshined others.

Captured Differently

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The Odyssey is the first featured film to shoot entirely with IMAX 70mm film cameras that use expansive 65mm negatives to accommodate high-fidelity sound tracks. With a near-square aspect ratio of 1.43:1, you gain more screen from floor to ceiling. If you plan to watch The Odyssey, it is recommended to do so in one of the dedicated IMAX theaters, which can be found here, as they deliver a dynamic range and visual experience. To find one locally. Even though I couldn’t watch the film on the dedicated screen, the standard theater screen still provided a sufficient viewing experience.

The film employs natural settings and lighting for its shots. The bright daylight glinting off the sea and the ancient city of Troy tumbling down all felt natural. The film captures moments and uses angles to have a dynamic feel. Nolan’s version of the film is modern, with changes that may offend those who love Homer’s vision of the story. The film was shot on physical sets to minimize the use of CGI. Colors were based on the atmosphere of the scene. The muted colors are especially apparent when Odysseus is in the underworld confronting the dead or under a cloudy sky.

Nolan’s vision of the film presents a more modern take and includes changes that may challenge the traditional views of Homer enthusiasts. This version aims to make the film feel authentic, modernize it, and include changes that may upset some fans of Homer’s original vision. The ships look more like the era of the Vikings, with saturated colors, modern English language, and a multiracial and diverse cast. Helen of Troy, played by Lupita Nyong’o (Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave), looked and performed outstandingly on screen during her short screen time. I was more interested in the cast and their performances than in the ships or the actors on screen, even though I was already captivated by the direction and story.

The Bronze Age

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The soundtrack composed by Ludwig Göransson (Oppenheimer, The Mandalorian) brought outstanding scores to build up the scenes and in-between scenarios. Instead of relying on traditional orchestra instruments, Göransson used ancient Greek instruments such as the lyre and aulos. Other materials such as scrap metal, hitting railings, and other unconventional sounds were used to provide a more organic sound to the film. Blending these organic sounds creates an authentic feel for the film and sets it apart from other blockbuster films like Gladiator and Troy.

Sound effects were excellent; there were moments they overshadowed some scenes with dialogue. The experience of watching this film in a standard theater may lead to a clash between the sound effects and the dialogue.

Final Voyage

The Odyssey is a breathtaking adaptation of Homer’s timeless epic with a strong ensemble cast and stunning cinematography. Christopher Nolan takes a legendary voyage into one of the year’s must-see cinematic experiences.

An early screening was provided for this review. The Odyssey arrives in theaters on July 17, 2026. Fans can visit the film’s official website for more information ticket purchasing.