Review - The Odyssey (2026)

       Hey guys, Chuck here, and this is my review of The Odyssey, the newest film from director Christopher Nolan based on the epic Greek poem by Homer, and starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Jon Bernthal, Robert Pattinson, John Leguizamo, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, and many others. 

       The movie tells the story of Odysseus, Greek king of Ithica and hero of the Trojan war, on his lengthy journey to return home and be reunited with his wife and son, and showcases all of the incredible and unusual creatures and individuals he and his men came across on their journey home. The movie also tells the story of Odysseus' son, Telemachus, as he goes on his own journey to learn more about what became of the father he never knew, and just the kind of man his father was.

      And, I will say that the way that Nolan frames both stories together is absolutely brilliant. Seeing how Odysseus recounts the events of his journey home after the Trojan War, while also showing Telemachus learn of who Odysseus was, and trying to learn what became of him after the lengthy battle in Troy. And, the way that actors Matt Damon as Odysseus and Tom Holland as Telemachus portray their respective character journeys in this movie shows absolute master class acting from both. 

       On the subject of the acting, several of the performances in this movie from a number of the actors, including Anne Hathaway as Penelope, John Leguizamo as Eumaeus, Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Charlize Theron as Calypso, Samantha Morton as Circe, and Zendaya as Athena, were all terrific. And, despite what some might say, Elliot Page and Lupita Nyong'o were, respectively, excellent in the roles of Sinon and Helen of Troy. Lastly, Benny Safdie, who was a standout as Edward Teller in Christopher Nolan's previous film Oppenheimer, was also great in this movie as the towering Agamemnon. Another standout for me was Ryan Hurst as Mentor, who really shines alongside Tom Holland's Telemachus. 

        One thing that is amazing about The Odyssey is in the landscapes and the city structures showcased in locations like Troy and Ithica. The lengthy beach where we see Odysseus and Calypso throughout the movie, the massive home where Penelope and Telemachus reside, and several suitors such as Antinous, and the massive city of Troy all showcase the brilliant and massive scale that this movie has. And, the battle scenes and sea scenes are all massive in a way that Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema made work, mainly due to filming on IMAX cameras. And, the brilliant scale and cinematography was complimented by the incredible music score by Ludwig Göransson. 

       I don't think anyone will be surprised when I say this, by Christopher Nolan, once again, delivered and incredible masterwork of cinema with The Odyssey, which is easily one of the best movies of the year, and ranks among my favorite Christopher Nolan films alongside both Oppenheimer and The Dark Knight. I cannot recommend seeing this movie enough, as it's an absolute must-see movie that deserves to be seen in a movie theater. 

       Alright guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you in the next review.