Film Review – The Odyssey (2026)

      The Odyssey, 2026

      Written and Directed by Christopher Nolan.

      Starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, Will Yun Lee, Jimmy Gonzáles, Elliot Page, Bill Irwin, Samantha Morton, Jesse García, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez, Corey Hawkins, Nick E. Tarabay, Maurice Compte, Michael Vlamis, Iddo Goldberg, Josh Stewart, Ryan Hurst, Anthony Molinari, Jovan Adepo, Logan Marshall-Green, James Remar, Travis Scott, Douglas Rouillard, Jorge Leon, Andrei Lenart, Kamden Riley, Ryan de Quintal, Jarreth J. Merz, Markie Farnsley, Stephen Murphy, Matt Lasky, Adam Croasdell, Jamie Harris, Niko Nicotera, Elyes Gabel, Sean Avery, Andrew Howard, Ian Casselberry, John Ales, Raimy Lang, Mason Cufari, Kate Fuglei, Mickey Shilowich, and Katerina Antemel.

      SYNOPSIS:

      After the fall of Troy, Odysseus embarks on a perilous journey back to Ithaca, encountering creatures such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Calypso along the way.

      Christopher Nolan’s newest film is as grand as the story it recounts in his interpretation of The Odyssey, not only because of the scale of the narrative and its ensemble cast but also literally, as it is the first film ever shot entirely on IMAX film. Nolan captures the epic essence of one of the world's oldest tales with Matt Damon delivering a remarkable performance as Odysseus, complemented by stunning cinematography, visual effects, creature designs, and themes that maintain The Odyssey's relevance today.

      The Odyssey follows Odysseus on his protracted journey home to Ithaca after the Greeks' triumph in the Trojan War, achieved through Odysseus’ notorious Trojan Horse strategy. True to Nolan’s style, the story shifts between timelines, presenting Odysseus' adventure alongside the ‘present’ storyline of his wife and son, portrayed by Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland, who are compelled to entertain numerous suitors vying for Penelope’s hand in marriage to access Ithaca’s throne. The narrative structure remains engaging throughout its nearly three-hour runtime, never feeling excessively long or cumbersome, aided by a strong focus on the characters and their personal arcs.

      Damon offers one of the finest performances of his career, providing a layered and captivating portrayal of Odysseus. He effectively communicates Odysseus’ intelligence, resourcefulness, and resolve while introducing new dimensions that many adaptations overlook, particularly his feelings of survivor's guilt and remorse for his actions in the name of survival. This performance is well-balanced and multidimensional, even depicting Odysseus’ slight naivety in trusting certain individuals while compromising his own integrity in specific situations. It is a demanding role both dramatically and physically, but Damon excels in carrying the film and shares excellent chemistry with every cast member.

      Hathaway and Holland present a compelling pairing as Penelope and Telemachus, who await the return of Odysseus after two decades. Hathaway's Penelope embodies both strength and vulnerability as she reluctantly entertains her suitors night after night, while Holland expresses Telemachus’ yearning for news of his father. Their characters' emotional turmoil is palpable, but Hathaway’s performance as Penelope stands out, as she, like Odysseus, utilizes her astuteness against her suitors in the limited ways available to her. A standout sequence in the third act showcases Hathaway’s emotional depth and the layers she brings to Penelope. Holland takes a break from his lighter, more recognized roles in the MCU's Spider-Man films or Uncharted, revealing more of his depth in Telemachus’ quest for information and his evolution into a leader. Together, they convey the film's emotional core even more effectively than Damon.

      In the extensive ensemble cast, filled with numerous prominent stars and familiar faces, everyone delivers strong performances, even those whose screen time is minimal. Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the most relentless of Penelope’s suitors, with a sleazy demeanor that makes him instantly detestable. The tension between him and Holland is palpable, with his scenes alongside Hathaway further highlighting his character's manipulative traits. John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Jon Bernthal, Lupita Nyong’o, and Charlize Theron are also memorable, but Zendaya shines as the goddess Athena, appearing intermittently to guide Odysseus on his journey. The strength and wisdom she exudes convince viewers of her status