The Odyssey Spoiler-free Review

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, to name but a few of a vast and outstanding ensemble cast. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this ambitious adaptation of Homer’s timeless epic transforms one of history’s greatest myths into an unforgettable cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s this. See The Odyssey in IMAX. Every single frame is designed for it. Nolan fills the towering screen with breathtaking mise-en-scène, creating compositions that constantly leave you scanning every corner of the image. It’s the kind of filmmaking that reminds you why cinema exists as a theatrical experience. Watching it on anything smaller would feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth.

Before release, there was no shortage of criticism surrounding the wardrobe, casting and production design. Thankfully, those fears prove completely unfounded. Nolan is not interested in recreating a museum piece. Instead, he builds his own mythological world inspired by the source material, crafting a saga that stretches across oceans, kingdoms and generations. It feels timeless rather than historically confined, allowing the themes to resonate far beyond ancient Greece. The one issue I have is the very Americanised accents in the film, which sometimes pulled me out of the world. But I myself had to reflect on how we often expect some variant of a British accent for any historical or mythological epic, and that probably has more to do with the colonisation of language and empire than historical accuracy; a quite ironic observation relative to some of the themes around conquering and empire expressed in The Odyssey itself. I digress.

At its heart, The Odyssey is a story about legacy. It’s about parents and children (much like Interstellar was), the burdens passed from one generation to the next, and the complicated relationship we have with those we elevate into legends. There are fascinating ideas about reconciling with the crimes committed by those we mythologise, even if I found myself wishing Nolan had pushed that aspect even further. Still, the emotional core remains remarkably strong throughout the film’s expansive runtime.

The performances are exceptional across the board. Everyone arrives ready to operate at the highest level. Matt Damon is the steady emotional anchor holding this immense story together, delivering a performance filled with strength, vulnerability and determination as a man trying to find his way home. Tom Holland and Anne Hathaway both bring emotionally charged performances that ground the spectacle in genuine human feeling. While Robert Pattinson plays petulant and craven to perfection as a villain.

I was especially moved by Elliot Page, whose brief appearance leaves a lasting emotional impact. It’s a reminder that even limited screen time can become unforgettable in the hands of a gifted performer. Lupita Nyong’o’s casting became the target of some truly ridiculous criticism online, and I’m happy to say those complaints disappear the moment she appears on screen. I only wish the script gave her more material to explore because she brings such grace and presence to every scene. Samantha Morton also makes a brief appearance that’s deeply captivating and unsettling in all the right ways.

For all of its emotional depth, this is still an incredibly brutal world. Every mythological encounter is filled with tension, leaving you gripping your seat as each new threat emerges. The violence isn’t excessively graphic, but Nolan understands that suggestion can be far more powerful than explicit gore. There is also some truly disturbing imagery, combined with an incredible sound design, that creates moments that linger long after the credits roll. Some viewers may even find themselves looking away in these scenes.

What impressed me most was the balance between spectacle and character. The narrative constantly moves forward through its epic journey while simultaneously digging deeper into the people at its centre. Too often blockbuster filmmaking sacrifices one for the other. The Odyssey manages to deliver both, making every triumph and tragedy feel earned.

Nolan’s direction is simply extraordinary. The confidence behind every frame is unmistakable. Character movement, editing, sound, cinematography and production design all work together with astonishing precision. Every collaborator is performing at the top of their craft, but it is Nolan’s singular vision that unifies every element into something truly special. It feels like watching a beautifully orchestrated symphony where every note lands exactly where it should.

The Odyssey is Christopher Nolan operating at the height of his powers. This film is bold, emotionally rich and visually overwhelming in the very best sense. Run, don’t walk, to the cinema and experience The Odyssey in IMAX as soon as you can. This is exactly the kind of film the big screen was made for.

Rating: 10/10

The Odyssey is in cinemas now, starting 17 July 2026.

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