Title – The Odyssey (2026)
Director – Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight)
Cast – Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Samantha Morton, John Leguizamo
Plot – Homer’s famed story comes to life like never before as Odysseus (Damon) and his men face a dangerous journey back to their homeland in the aftermath of the Trojan War.
“After years of war, no one could stand between my men and home. Not even the gods”
Review by Eddie on 17/07/2026
Disclaimer – This review is based off the IMAX 70mm version of the film. Spoiler free!
As the naysayers nay and the scoffers scoff, one thing remains abundantly clear, no one is and arguably ever has made films quite like Christopher Nolan.
Surrounded by a bizarre and overcooked pre-release controversy that stems from casting choices the film made, now that The Odyssey has been unleashed on cinema screens across the globe we can finally move past months of negativity to judge Nolan’s newest epic on its actual merits.
Adapting Homer’s famed text, Nolan’s grandiose and awe-inspiring feat of filmmaking and vision is a sight to behold, a never-before-seen cinematic experience that allows Nolan to thrive in huge unforgettable moments and quietly human powerful moments, moments he hasn’t always managed to handle to the same level he does when it comes to spectacle of the highest order.
Sitting back and being taken away by Nolan’s masterwork is a transformative viewing experience, one that takes you out of your seat and into the very heart of the story of Matt Damon’s Odysseus, who in the aftermath of the Trojan war must overcome the very gods to return home to his long-suffering wife Penelope and his son he doesn’t know Telemachus.
Taking a little time to fully draw you in as The Odyssey burrows forward with a stereotypically non-linear approach to proceedings, once Nolan’s take on this narrative finds its groove it draws us completely in and never let’s up across its 3 hour running time.
With every scene a visual marvel, showcasing a stunning feat of handcrafted movie making without a greenscreen in sight, enhanced by Hoyte van Hoytema’s marvellous IMAX infused cinematography, Ludwig Göransson’s haunting score and a collection of notable performances from some of Hollywood’s elite, The Odyssey is an event, a shows topping blockbuster that is flawed in ways but abundantly magic in most instances.
With so much to consume through the eyes, there’s also so much for the heart here as Nolan manages to imbed his adaptation of Homer’s work with a beating core, one that strengthens as the film goes on, culminating in an emotionally charged finale that is both thrilling and powerful, making this a journey that pays off in a big way.
Throughout this venture, one that is at times horrific, pulse-pounding, quiet, human and unique, is what could well be a career best turn from Damon who shoulders so much here, and delivers big time.
Ably supported by the likes of standout turns from Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway and an unexpectedly scene-stealing John Leguizomo as loyal Odysseus follower Eumaeus, Damon does it all here and while his CV is littered with an array of top-tier roles, it’s entirely likely that his performance as one of histories most discussed figures here will go down as a career high.
Debuting to what can only be described as unparralled critical plaudits, what happens to The Odyssey over the coming days, weeks, months and years is anyone’s guess, with it more than possible that there’s impending general audience discourse around this epic not being the masterpiece it is but those wanting to find falt with Nolan’s latest feat are robbing themselves of cinematic joys.
These joys are rare, they are to be treasured and how lucky are we to be living in the moment in time where Nolan is enacting upon his dreams and imaginations that he in turn shares with us?
Once in a blue moon you can sit back and say you just partook in what is a masterpiece of its medium, so embrace the opportunity to find the biggest screen you can and be taken on this journey that puts so many of its compatriots to shame.
Final Say –
Continuing to prove that he is an unrivalled talent of cinematic spectacle and challenging yet rewarding storytelling, The Odyssey once more enhances the case of Christopher Nolan needing to be in the conversation for cinemas most gifted film-makers.
5 lotus flowers out of 5
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys) 
I’m absolutely thrilled with your review, which is flawless, carried by a wind of enthusiasm that defies the naysayers and other gloomy gods. I say bravo, and I urge all readers to follow this advice, which could lead them to a cinematic spectacle of exceptional quality and rare intensity. It’s a kind of cinema that still exists thanks to Christopher Nolan (how much longer will this extravagant Trojan horse be tolerated by the studios?) and that we must cherish if we want to preserve it. To be perfectly honest, I do have a few reservations, which I won’t go into here to preserve the prevailing enthusiasm (I invite those who are interested to read my article 😉), but what is undeniable in my eyes is that this is a great film, a great universal and timeless story, which should not be missed under any circumstances.
I too have some reservations about the film in some minor ways and debated somewhat around a 4 and a half star rating but upon solid reflection I realised that with this its easy and even right to just let those be as there’s just so much artistry and magic on display here. What an epic journey.
I suspect that this is the type of film that if you get on board with, will play even better on rewatches. Its been great so far to see the film just go huge on its opening days and people are supporting someone going out there and doing things differently.
Thanks for your kind words mate it’s always a pleasure to have you a part of my movie going ride.
E
holy…..you NEVER give a 5!
Pretty rare mate. I think this is the type of film that has some minor issues and probably other flaws if you want to focus on it but in reality there’s just so much to admire here and I feel like it will be a film that plays different and maybe more impactful even on rewatch.
E
For us, your readers, it’s important that once in a blue moon you give 5s out of 5s because then we know you are able to be blown over by cinematic excellence. We’ve all grown up with teachers who never award a 100%, making us feel less than excellent in their eyes. I love it that you are so heartfelt emotional over this. I enjoy your blog so much.
Thanks so much mate those are really kind words. It really is such a joy to talk and write about film so that’s very thoughtful of you to take the time to comment.
I also feel so fortunate for us that we are watching Nolan’s career in motion. Make sure you let me know what you think once you catch it!
E