THE ODYSSEY – Review by Susan Kamyab
I’ll admit I never read The Odyssey in school. Does not mean it wasn’t assigned to me; I was just always more of a I’d rather watch the movie kind of student. While I do think reading the source material to an adaption adds more to the film, in the case of Christopher Nolan’s new movie, I am thrilled to have gone blind into a screening that blew me away.
The Odyssey has been hyped up ever since the announcement of the film and its all-star casting (which features almost every actor you can think of). Leading the all-star ensemble is Matt Damon, joined by Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, and Zendaya, just to name a few. Normally, I’m wary of a film with this much star power, but Christopher Nolan never loses sight of the story. Despite its stacked cast, the film remains driven by its epic narrative and masterful filmmaking.
The Odyssey picks up years after the Trojan War, with Odysseus (Damon) trying to find his way back home. In Ithaca, his wife, Penelope (Hathaway), still yearns for her husband and is doing everything she can to hold off a group of entitled, obnoxious suitors, led by Antinous (Pattinson). As they eat, drink, and take advantage of the kingdom’s hospitality, they also hatch a plan to kill Odysseus’ son, Telemachus (Holland), hoping to force Penelope to choose a new husband, and more importantly, a new king.
At the same time, Odysseus is fighting a different battle. Stranded on Calypso’s (Charlize Theron) island, he can’t remember exactly what happened to his crew or how he ended up there, thanks in part to the island’s memory-clouding lotus flowers. As bits and pieces of his past come back to him—through memories of war, monsters, and devastating loss—he sets out to finish the journey home and reunite with his family.
Despite its nearly three-hour runtime, The Odyssey never drags. Nolan masterfully weaves together the past and present, making each transition feel seamless while capturing the emotional weight of Odysseus’ journey. Even with an extensive cast and multiple storylines, he never veers off course.
The supporting cast makes the most of every minute on screen. Anne Hathaway brings a quiet strength to Penelope, conveying both her unwavering love for Odysseus and her growing contempt for the disgusting suitors. Tom Holland is equally compelling as Telemachus, a son determined to protect his mother while fighting to preserve his father’s legacy. Robert Pattinson fully embraces the slimy, self-serving Antinous, making him a villain you love to hate.
As strong as the ensemble cast is, Matt Damon stands out with one of the best performances of his career. He carries the film with vulnerability and commanding presence. Whether he’s leading his men through impossible odds or wrestling with the emotional scars of his journey, Damon gives Odysseus a depth that anchors the entire film.
Following the success of Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan has somehow delivered an even greater cinematic achievement. He takes what could have been a familiar ancient Greek tale and transforms it into a breathtaking IMAX adventure that feels both timeless and completely fresh. His ability to capture the scale and intensity of Odysseus’ journey is remarkable, turning mythology into a full cinematic experience.
What makes Nolan’s approach so impressive is how he blends genres. At times, The Odyssey feels like a sweeping historical epic, while other moments carry the tension and atmosphere of a horror film. Through subtle horror elements, haunting imagery, and a constant sense of danger, Nolan creates a world that feels as beautiful as it is terrifying.
It’s no surprise that moviegoers will be talking about The Odyssey and its performances long after awards season, as it is a clear Oscar front runner. But beyond the accolades, Nolan’s artwork sparks the kind of excitement and nostalgia that only a truly special theatrical experience can create. The Odyssey is one of the best films of the year and an absolute must-see!
