Christopher Nolan’s new $250 million IMAX blockbuster, The Odyssey, has won near-universal praise from critics, positioning the epic adaptation as a strong early contender for next year's Oscars.
The movie, based on Homer's classic ancient Greek poem, stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and features an all-star cast including Charlize Theron and Anne Hathaway. Many major reviewers have praised the film's incredible scale and bold ambition. Critics from publications like The Guardian and The Times awarded it five stars, calling it a masterpiece of modern cinema that satisfies a deep desire for powerful storytelling. Manohla Dargis of The New York Times described it as "a classic in every sense" and a work of "pure cinema."
Despite the overwhelming acclaim, the film has faced some criticism, particularly regarding its structure and character portrayals. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter criticized the movie's pace, describing beach scenes between Damon's Odysseus and Theron's Calypso as "dull interludes" that slow down the story. He also questioned the casting of Tom Holland as Odysseus's son and pointed out modern, out-of-place language in the dialogue, such as characters using the word "dad" or talking about a "party."
Classicists have also raised questions about how the ancient story was adapted. Writing for The Times, renowned classicist Mary Beard praised the film's contemporary feel but argued that Nolan's version of Odysseus is too simple and lacks the cleverness and humor of Homer’s original hero. She also noted that some key female characters were cut, resulting in "an Odyssey without the sex."
Similarly, classicist Emily Hauser expressed disappointment in the treatment of women in the film. She pointed out that Nolan made Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, actively participate in the execution of her enslaved maid Melantho, a harsh change from the original myth. According to Hauser, the adaptation ultimately focuses too much on a male hero seeking redemption, leaving little room for female agency or nuance.