#REVIEW: “THE ODYSSEY”

By Mr. Will Wong

Giving us themes of hope, resilience and civility, The Odyssey is a perfect film that the world is in dire need of right now. Visionary Christopher Nolan goes big in his latest effort, tackling the never-ending tension between fate versus human agency here on the grandest scale, with an A-List Cast. The epic action-fantasy is an uplifting reminder, as it says in the Film itself, civilization will rise again.

The story centers on heroic Odysseus (Matt Damon) whom after triumphantly leading the charge through the Trojan War, aims to return home to Ithaca to be with his beloved wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway).  He offends the deity Poseidon, finding himself trapped in one fatal obstacle after another, resulting in him being lost at sea for ten years, losing his way.  Meanwhile, countless suitors arrive in Odysseus‘ palace trying to court his wife, as he is presumed dead. Even his estranged young son Telemachus (Tom Holland) believes it so, wanting to honour his father’s legacy and protect his mother, yet not having the competence yet to do so. Odysseus must overcome literal hell and high water to return to a home that no longer resembles his home.

Remaining largely faithful to Homer’s source material, Nolan takes creative liberties in how he presents the story visually and in its Screenplay, which opts for modern vocabulary. While this unquestionably is a big Blockbuster, certain moments present like a cool Indie flick, accentuated further with richer colour and depth seen in the 70mm presentation we were lucky enough to enjoy the Film in. The number of picture-perfect moments on-screen seemed endless, thanks to Oscar winner Hoyte van Hoytema‘s flawless Cinematography, using newly designed IMAX 70mm film cameras here.

Nolan masterfully transcends many shifting tones as The Odyssey balances elements of Revenge Thriller, along with Family Drama, Romance, Body Horror and good old Action-Fantasy. The Film feels whole and complete, showcasing a career-best performance by Damon who convincingly transforms into a brute action hero – veins protruding – who at once seem opposes brute force at once, placing humanity first.  The Film gives us a contemplative Odysseus who takes a look within at the aftermath of the very war that made him a hero.

Hathaway is tremendous as the loyal and vigilant Penelope, steadfast in her believe that Odysseus one day will return even though she has no way of truly knowing it. One of the Film’s greatest surprises actually is an John Leguizamo‘s turn as blind servant Eumaeus, who goes through the ringer, though his loyalty to Odysseus is unwavering.  And though we never like rooting against Robert Pattinson, he is deliciously loathsome as Antinous, eager to cease the moment and scheme his way to Penelope‘s heart. Samantha Morton, while only seen momentarily, also is unforgettable as the deceptive Circe. 

The Odyssey is a triumph on so many levels, but its greatest feat is how well it drives home its poignant message that no matter how far we’ve been steered off our path, with grit and determination, right will always prevail. It is magnificent.

Universal Pictures Canada release THE ODYSSEY Friday, July 17, 2026.