‘The Odyssey’ Film Review: Christopher Nolan Delivers Riveting Cinematic Experience With Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron

Christopher Nolan’s newest film, The Odyssey, hits theatres on July 17, 2026, worldwide. The Odyssey provides a gripping, moving cinematic experience and interpretation of Homer’s epic poem, with sound, music and visuals so powerful that you cannot take your eyes and ears off the big screen. The film, shot entirely on IMAX film cameras, is SPECTACULAR, though not in the Dunkirk or Interstellar (Nolan’s earlier films) kind of way. The almost-three-hour film keeps you on the edge! There is no need for an interval, and the film does not bore you. The icing on the cake is the EPIC climax! With a stellar cast comprising Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Lupita N’yongo, Elliott Page, Samantha Morton, Jon Bernthal, Ben Safdie and Travis Scott, The Odyssey presents a neat spectacle to the senses. Let’s know more. ‘The Odyssey’ Asia Premiere Exclusive: Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon, Tom Holland Win Hearts in Mumbai, India (Watch Videos).

What Is Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ About?

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey begins where Troy ends. Adapted from Homer's Greek epic poem The Odyssey, which follows his Iliad, the film shows a post-war scenario when Troy has fallen. King of Ithaca Odysseus (Matt Damon), Trojan War hero, is believed to be dead years after the war. But the Queen of Ithaca Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and their son Telemachus (Tom Holland) believe Odysseus is alive and out there. As his mother is pursued by suitors to marry her, particularly by a scheming Antinous (Robert Pattinson), Telemachus quietly begins a journey to find his father and save the Queen and his kingdom from the takeover.

Parallelly, it’s shown that Odysseus is indeed alive, but he takes years to remember who he is and what happened to him. Saved by a sea nymph, Calypso (Charlize Theron), Odysseus lives with her on the mythical island of Ogygia. She attempts to hold him there forever, until it’s time to let go. The film follows the homecoming saga of Odysseus, replete with mythical creatures and overcoming physical obstructions and fights. Will Odysseus reach home, and in time to win over his kingdom and his wife?

Epic Climax of ‘The Odyssey’, Channeling ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Mahabharata’

Odysseus is on an epic journey to return home to his wife Penelope and win her over, yet again. Win her over is the keyword here. She has been waiting for him and knows he is alive. He knows that and yet takes up the challenge to prove himself again, to his beloved and to his kingdom. Among other things, The Odyssey will remind Indian viewers of our own epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the homecoming and especially the bow and arrow and ‘Swayamvar’ (choose your groom) kind of scene. The epic climax of The Odyssey will not just win Penelope over, but the audience, too. ‘The Odyssey’ Movie: Stellar Cast, Plot, Budget - Everything To Know About Christopher Nolan’s Epic IMAX Film.

Breathtaking Cinematography in ‘The Odyssey’

Christopher Nolan brings in his extraordinary regulars, Hoyte van Hoytema for the cinematography and Ludwig Göransson for the Original Soundtrack (OST). The cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema is breathtaking and captivating! Nothing less is expected of him, seeing his remarkable repertoire with Nolan's Interstellar, Dunkirk, Tenet and Oppenheimer, to name a few. Not just the moments where it’s obvious the IMAX shot has been picturised well, like the water shots, but also in scenes where it’s subtle – like the shot of Penelope and Antinous through the handwoven cloth, as if seeing them through a veil in what is an important moment in the film.

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' - Watch Trailer:

Haunting Score of ‘The Odyssey’ 

The musical compositions in The Odyssey by Ludwig Göransson work in a subliminal fashion to create the mythical atmosphere, with ancient Greek instruments being used by the composer. The music of The Odyssey moves you as a viewer without you even realising it! Isn’t that the job of the background score and the songs in any film or visual creation? It should not be in your face. In The Odyssey, the musical experience is surreal and dreamy. 

Cast Performances in ‘The Odyssey’ 

Christopher Nolan has cast some of his regular actors in The Odyssey, including Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, who perform their lead roles of Odysseus and Penelope brilliantly. Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, as their son Telemachus, is a surprise addition and does not disappoint. Excelling in their work are the supporting actors – a stunning Charlize Theron as Calypso, an in-form John Leguizamo as Eumaeus the Swineherd, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Samantha Morton as Circe, the sorceress, as well as Zendaya as Greek goddess Athena, Spartan King Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, and Benny Safdie as his brother Agamemnon, King of Mycenae, with a bit role of Travis Scott as a bard. Bill Irwin is impressive as the man-eating one-eyed Cyclops who turns out to be Polyphemus, the son of Poseidon.

And no, despite the unnecessary controversy created by trolls, it is not a problem to see Lupita Nyong'o in her double role as Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra, and Elliot Page as Sinon. In fact, the diversity helps add a fresh view to the film. However, they could have got more screen time.

What Is Lacking in ‘The Odyssey’?

The writing in The Odyssey could have displayed more emotion for its characters or had longer emotional scenes. There seems to be a lack of it at times, as if the scenes have been cut off or edited. If Avatar director James Cameron had made The Odyssey, it would have been four hours long with a full range of emotions and action scenes. 

But it's a Nolan film. So, the entire package is there, but in a different manner. Also, in The Odyssey, the story is ancient but the spoken language is modern in places, which is not too much of a deterrent if you ignore it. 

Verdict - ‘The Odyssey’

For the fans of Christopher Nolan’s diverse repertoire, The Odyssey is nothing like any of his films. Not Memento, not The Dark Knight Trilogy, or The Prestige, or Insomnia, not Inception, Interstellar, Tenet or Oppenheimer. The Odyssey could be experienced whether you are a fan of Christopher Nolan or not. Whether it will stay with you or linger on for days to come – that may or may not happen, just for the lack of more emotional depth, from an Indian viewer’s perspective. A modern-day homage to Homer, The Odyssey is a completely new mood piece, a different beast altogether.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 12:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).