THE ODYSSEY – Christopher Nolan Brings Homer’s Ancient Epic to Life on the Big Screen!

THE ODYSSEY is directed by Christopher Nolan, and is based on the classic Greek epic by Homer. The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, James Remar, Elliot Page, Travis Scott, Himesh Patel, Jon Bernthal, and John Leguizamo.

Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, struggles to return home following the events of the Trojan War, recounting his past exploits and battles as he struggles to regain his memory. Back home, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus are plagued by suitors who want to marry Penelope and claim the throne for themselves. Will Odysseus make it home to the wife who still yearns for him, and a son he’s never known?

THE ODYSSEY is one of the oldest fantasy stories in existence, being written by Homer thousands of years ago. Unsurprisingly, it’s one that’s been adapted in many different ways over the years, perhaps most notably as a television miniseries back in 1997 that included the likes of Isabella Rossellini, Geraldine Chaplin, and Christopher Lee. I do recall reading the story in high school back in the day, as well as seeing that miniseries, but was pleasantly surprised to hear that the next person adapting the ancient epic would be none other than Christopher Nolan, the man who brought us films like THE DARK KNIGHT, DUNKIRK, and OPPENHEIMER, the latter of which was a Best Picture winner.

THE ODYSSEY is a timeless tale, and Christopher Nolan has brought his own vision to this age-old story. The film is perfectly cast, features absolutely gorgeous cinematography and visuals, and everything from gritty violent realism to awe-inspiring fantasy sequences that include everything from a monstrous cyclops to a whirlpool monster. I can’t say for sure how accurate Mr. Nolan’s take on THE ODYSSEY is to the original Homer tale, but my eyes were glued to the screen the whole time. It looks great. It sounds great. It may be the best movie of 2026 so far.

An ancient epic like THE ODYSSEY doesn’t work unless the movie looks the part, and Christopher Nolan’s latest movie succeeds there in nearly every way. From elaborate cliffsides to deserted islands, from the high seas to the palace of Ithaca, THE ODYSSEY is a sight to behold. Costumes, weaponry, and other setpieces all come together nicely to create an elaborate vision of the ancient world few attempts at epics of recent years have done. The day of old school Hollywood epics like THE TEN COMMANDMENTS and BEN-HUR is long gone, but in his latest film, Mr. Nolan has come closer to replicating that era on the big screen than any other filmmaker in recent memory. These production values are worthy of the throne and nothing less.

Casting is just as integral, and Nolan’s ensemble cast is fantastic. As Odysseus, Matt Damon gives his best performance in years as the war-torn soldier lost on the seas yearning to get home to his loving wife. From the aggression this role requires to the confusion and vulnerability, Mr. Damon gives an Oscar-worthy performance. Other highlights include Anne Hathaway (who’d previously worked with Christopher Nolan in THE DARK KNIGHT RISES) as his wife Penelope who must deal with several ungrateful suitors seeking her hand and the throne, and Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, who wants desperately to know the truth of his father’s fate, and to be rid of the suitors. It’s a massive ensemble cast among the best assembled for a film in recent years. You’ll see many familiar faces pop up, and they’re all ideal for these parts.

Clocking in at nearly three hours, THE ODYSSEY does feel a bit heavy-handed at times, with tons of characters and plot points to explore (much like the ancient tale it was based on). I do question whether every single character, plot point, and destination on the journey was needed; some faces like Lupita Nyong’o and Zendaya are relegated to what feel like glorified cameos, even if they do handle their roles well. With about a half hour of editing and removal of a few characters and subplots it could’ve been a more streamlined film, but I don’t think anyone will argue with the fact that it looks, sounds, and feels like an epic from start to finish. This is easily in the top tier of movies released in 2026.

It’s perhaps a bit too long and overplotted, but THE ODYSSEY is a modern-day journey worthy of both Homer and the classic days of Hollywood epics. Nolan’s direction is as strong as ever. The ensemble cast, including Matt Damon in one of his best roles in years, brings the action and drama in fine form. And the production values and cinematography seal the deal. I have no doubt that come award season, Mr. Nolan’s take on THE ODYSSEY will be garnering plenty of nominations, and rightfully so. It’s a gripping, dramatic epic of the ancient world that’s not to be missed, and should be seen on the biggest screen possible. Very highly recommended!