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The Odyssey (2026)


The Odyssey is written and directed by Christopher Nolan, bringing one of history's greatest epics to the big screen with his signature ambition and scale. There were rumors that the film would lean heavily on a newer interpretation of the source material, and after watching it, I can understand where those concerns came from. Many of the scenes that feel unnecessary or overextended stem from that interpretation and could have been trimmed without hurting the overall narrative. Once again, Nolan demonstrates that he is a stronger director than writer, crafting visually stunning sequences while allowing the screenplay to become overly indulgent at times. The other surprising misstep is the absence of Hans Zimmer. The change in composer is immediately noticeable, and while the score is serviceable, it lacks the emotional power and memorable identity that Zimmer has brought to so many of Nolan's previous films.

Matt Damon is perfectly cast as Odysseus, delivering exactly the kind of commanding and layered performance the role demands. He captures both the legendary hero's intelligence and his exhaustion from years of conflict, making the character feel authentic from beginning to end. Anne Hathaway is equally impressive as Penelope, bringing warmth, resilience, and quiet strength to every scene. Neither performance left me with any complaints, and together they provide the emotional core that keeps the film grounded.

Robert Pattinson once again reminds audiences that he is far more than the vampire he played in Twilight. He continues to choose challenging roles and delivers another compelling performance that reinforces his status as one of the industry's best working actors. Unfortunately, Tom Holland is far less convincing. His performance serves as another reminder of why Uncharted struggled, as he never fully disappears into the character and often feels out of place alongside the rest of the cast. Zendaya has  opportunity to make an impression but doesn't capitalize, while Jon Bernthal and Samantha Morton each make the most of two excellent scenes that leave a lasting impact. Mia Goth and Charlize Theron are also underused, which is disappointing considering the level of talent both actresses bring whenever they're on screen.

Overall, The Odyssey is an ambitious adaptation that is certain to divide audiences. Some viewers will embrace Nolan's interpretation, while others will take issue with the liberties it takes, but I don't fall into either side of that debate. Despite a screenplay that could have benefited from tighter editing and a score that misses the presence of Hans Zimmer, the film is elevated by confident direction and several outstanding performances. It isn't among Christopher Nolan's very best films, but it remains a worthwhile cinematic experience. Result: B+

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