The Odyssey Review

Sir Christopher Nolan is fresh off winning two Academy Awards for his epic masterpiece Oppenheimer, so how does he follow up one of the greatest achievements of his career? By taking on one of the most ambitious stories ever written: The Odyssey, based on the ancient Greek epic poem by Homer.

Any time a filmmaker attempts to adapt a literary classic for the big screen, it comes with enormous challenges. Staying authentic to the source material while making it accessible to modern audiences is never easy, especially with a story as sprawling and mythical as The Odyssey. Nolan recently revealed that this adaptation has been a passion project more than 20 years in the making, and that dedication shines through in every frame.

The film is also groundbreaking from a technical standpoint, becoming the first movie shot entirely with 70mm IMAX cameras. The cinematography is breathtaking and endlessly creative. Oscar-winning director of photography Hoyte van Hoytema captures raw emotion and stunning visuals throughout, from Spartans battling a towering, practical-effects Cyclops in a dark cave to intense seafaring sequences that place viewers right in the middle of the storm. The film’s commitment to practical filmmaking gives it an authenticity that truly sets it apart.

Three-time Academy Award-winning composer Ludwig Göransson delivers a powerful, pulse-pounding score that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Matt Damon anchors this incredible ensemble with a commanding performance as Odysseus. Tom Holland and Anne Hathaway also deliver outstanding performances that perfectly complement Damon’s portrayal throughout the film. Even more impressive is the depth of the supporting cast, with numerous established actors making memorable appearances that elevate the story even further.

Nolan’s The Odyssey tells the story of the legendary hero Odysseus and his perilous 10-year journey home to Ithaca following the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters mythical creatures, impossible obstacles, and the interference of the gods, while back home his faithful wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, struggle to defend their kingdom from relentless suitors determined to claim the throne.

To fully appreciate this cinematic achievement, I highly recommend seeing it on the biggest IMAX screen possible. It’s not often that I leave a theater feeling the kind of emotion this film inspired. Christopher Nolan has once again delivered what feels destined to become an instant classic.

The Odyssey is now playing in theaters.

My Rating: 9.5/10