The Wasteland Reviewer

The Odyssey (2026) Written Review

What are the most epic tales to grace human civilization? Mythology has become such a significant piece of human culture for centuries. Many different cultures have their own tales that help explain so much of our existence and those that tell a great story with meaning. One of the most popular and iconic of all cultural mythology lies with the Greeks. The Greek gods and tales of the heroes that face insurmountable odds including plenty of strange and terrifying creatures. There are plenty of grand tales from Hercules to Perseus. One of the grandest tales of all is from Homer with The Odyssey. This story tells the exploits of Odysseus as he attempts to make his way home after the end of the Trojan War. But Odysseus’ journey is perilous and grand. Few filmmakers have the scope, vision, and skills to bring such a story to life. Christopher Nolan is one such filmmaker.

How does Nolan bring Homer’s story to life on the big screen? One of his boldest choices is shooting the entire film with IMAX cameras, giving The Odyssey a scale and grandeur few films can match. Vast sea shots and encounters with creatures like the Cyclops make the audience feel dwarfed by the world’s immense size, while intimate close-ups gain emotional force from the format’s detail and clarity. The film’s visuals are rich with texture, grounding viewers in tangible spaces shaped by dynamic lighting and shadow. Hoyte van Hoytema, whose collaborations with Nolan have consistently produced striking images, realizes this vision in awe-inspiring fashion. Nolan immerses the audience in a physical world of real landscapes, oceans, and structures, limiting obvious computer-generated effects and making the spectacle feel more immediate. The designs of Polyphemus and the Laestrygonians are especially impressive, appearing authentic within the frame. One of the film’s most unsettling moments is Circe transforming soldiers into pigs, staged as full-on body horror. The sacking of Troy is equally harrowing, presented as a brutal and terrifying act. Unexpectedly, Nolan’s The Odyssey often plays like a horror film, though it also delivers sweeping adventure and intensely visceral action, including the climactic confrontation between Odysseus and his wife’s suitors. The sound design is another standout, from the Cyclops’s screams to the simple pluck of a bow. Ludwig Göransson’s score adds an otherworldly quality that is both disorienting and serene, driving each scene with propulsive energy. Despite running nearly three hours, the film never feels wasted, holding the audience through emotion, action, and terror. The Odyssey is a truly miraculous cinematic experience.

Does the writing stand up with this adaptation of Homer’s work? One of the most obvious elements that Nolan leans into with this adaptation is non-linear storytelling. We have the parallel story elements of Telemachus trying to push down the suitors back in Ithaca while an aged Odysseus is searching for his lost memories while under the care of Calypso. But both threads have their own organic narrative mechanisms to go back and show how Odysseus arrived at the low point in his life that the film opens with. There is an impressive fluidity in Nolan’s storytelling that makes the narrative so engrossing even though it is bouncing around in both time and space. There is a richness to the thematic tapestry that is The Odyssey as well. The framework of the story is the Trojan War and what it has done to the world and to Odysseus himself. There is a looming threat from the sea that enshrouds so many of the characters in the film all stemming from the atrocities the Greeks committed at Troy. There are modern parallels as well as Agammemnon is taken to task for destroying a whole civilization over trade routes (which feels so reminiscent of modern geopolitics that it is uncomfortable). The film also explores the trauma and regret that looms over Odysseus and his journey after what he witnessed in Troy. Lies, deceit, shame, and honor are deeply reckoned with throughout the film with these elements being deeply embedded in the experiences of some key characters. The looming power of the Gods is something so deeply ingrained into the story and they show themselves throughout Odysseus’ journey. The honor of Zeus’ Law is built to be a cornerstone of civilization and Nolan explores the ramifications and consequences of when this rule is broken (which is a societal contract made between people). The story itself is fascinating and exciting. Witnessing Odysseus’ long trek home full of monsters, betrayal, dishonor, and fate is quite a cinematic experience. There are war scenes, monster chases, intellectual sparrings, high sea thrills, political maneuvering, and visceral action set pieces. There is even a deeply resonant love story at the core of the film between Odysseus and his Penelope. But Odysseus’ story is not the only compelling element as Telemachus’ journey to prove himself, protect his father’s kingdom, and repel the horde of disrespectful suitors has plenty of drama to feast on.

How does this cast translate Nolan’s script and Homer’s characters to life? Matt Damon delivers one of the most impressive performances of his character. Physicality is so essential from his combat skills to his aging body to the torture he experienced throughout this journey. Odysseus goes through plenty of pain and suffering yet Damon never skimps as he sells the anguish of the Sirens’ song, the terror in the face of grand beasts, and the revelations of his arduous journey.  His chemistry with Anne Hathaway is electric as they sell this romance so perfectly. There is an intelligence to Odysseus as well which Damon sells authentically. Hathaway is hidden by obscured walls of the film, but you can feel the power, rage, and sadness through it. There are some key scenes where Hathaway rises to the occasion and pours her whole heart and soul out. Tom Holland is a strong and consistent presence in the film like Telemachus. You can feel the struggle underneath the surface as Holland explores Telemachus’ feelings of abandonment, his own aspirations for the throne, and the love he has for his parents. Robert Pattinson delivers a perfect performance as a sniveling, conniving, and crafty antagonist. There are so many micro choices in Pattinson’s performance that it is such a joy to watch (despite his character being so unlikeable). Zendaya is leveraged in such a unique way. Her fleeting appearances are still powerful and emotive despite being limited in screentime. Charlize Theron delivers presence and authenticity as Calypso, who longs for Odysseus who is lost in her clutches. Samantha Morton is a standout with a powerful, unnerving, and fiery performance as the powerful Circe, who was poised to unravel Odysseus’ whole journey. John Leguizamo delivers a layered, charming, and wise performance as Eumaeus, Odysseus’ most loyal servant. There are plenty of strong performers in this film with the likes of Himesh Patel, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie, Jon Bernthal, James Remar, and Bill Irwin making splashes on the big screen.

Has Nolan outdone himself again? After Oppenheimer, many thought Nolan found his Magnum Opus. He might have just done it again. Different in many ways but both films are towering epics in their intimacy and their rich exploration of humanity. This is not just a spectacle full of adventures and thrills. Nolan has explored this iconic work in a modern thematic framework to say something about our world today and the quickening destruction of civilization. Nolan just might have crafted his first horror film as well. The Odyssey is overflowing with terror, awe, and emotion. Seeing this modern cinematic unicorn on the biggest screen you can. You might not see a film that is quite this grand and epic in a long time.