Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey opened in theatres following months of intense anticipation, fan theories, and lofty expectations on July 17. The narrative centres on King Odysseus (Matt Damon) as he travels 10 years back to Ithaca during the Trojan War, facing monsters, legendary creatures, and overwhelming odds. The Odyssey examines the passionate love tale between Odysseus and his wife Penelope in addition to the epic journey.
Matt Damon-starrer is praised as an emotionally riveting and artistically stunning movie. But why? Let's find out if it's really worth the hype!
The Odyssey Cast Performances
The Odyssey also turns into a profoundly devastating reflection on the human cost of war. It's not just about gods, kings, and monsters. It looks at what happens to families when military men go out to fight and don't know whether or when they will return.
This is one of Matt Damon's best performances to date. Anne Hathaway, who plays the role of Penelope, embodies the emotional toll of waiting for a husband killed in battle by giving Penelope warmth, resiliency, and quiet strength.
Tom Holland portrays Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, whose weakness turns into his greatest asset.
Zendaya, who portrays the Greek goddess Athena, doesn't fail to grab your attention, despite having little screen time.
ALSO READ - Who Is The Highest-Paid Star In Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey: Matt Damon, Tom Holland Or Zendaya?
What Are Fans Saying?
A user wrote, "Every single person I’ve asked and seen review on the Odyssey has given it 10s across the board, and I’m so excited for it."
Another user said, "Overall it’s a good movie. But not to the standards of a true classic or epic that the mainstream media makes it out to be."
A third user shared a detailed review and wrote, "The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm was a truly unique and immersive cinematic experience. The film is a masterpiece of cinematography, paired with rich and deeply layered storytelling. I'll give it 9/10."
A fourth user wrote, "I watched Odyssey this morning, and it was an absolute delight. The film is impeccable from start to finish masterful storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and performances that feel deeply authentic."
THE ODYSSEY Review Round Up:
— The Movie Badger (@TheMovieBadger) July 15, 2026
Guardian - 5/5
Telegraph - 5/5
Independent - 5/5
Empire - 5/5
Total Film - 5/5
Radio Times - 5/5
The Times - 5/5
Standard- 5/5
Time Out - 5/5
LWL - 5/5
NME - 5/5
HeyUGuys - 5/5
Irish Times - 4.5/5
Financial Times - 4/5
RogerEbert - 4/4#TheOdyssey pic.twitter.com/pI0zRzvfbI
The Odyssey was a geninue 10/10 theater experience and I'll forever be glad I got to experience it on the biggest screen.
— 𝙹𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚛 (@Juniornothere2) July 19, 2026
While overall being a well made film, this was not a perfect or a masterpiece for me.
My ★★★★ review of The Odyssey (2026) on https://t.co/bFnzYT0JJz pic.twitter.com/TYxPbRJZCA
One of the coldest aura shots in THE ODYSSEY comes when the gates of Troy open and Agamemnon walks through. pic.twitter.com/kbaac74Cbh
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) July 18, 2026
I saw The Odyssey (🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟) a second time on Friday immediately after seeing it Thursday. This is the only time in the history of running this account that I’ve reviewed the same film back-to-back the day after its release. And after seeing The Odyssey a second time, I’m… pic.twitter.com/X6502dTCms
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) July 18, 2026
Short Review: Odyssey
— 𝙆𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙟 𝙟𝙝𝙖 (@xkshitijj) July 19, 2026
I watched Odyssey this morning, and it was an absolute delight. The film is impeccable from start to finish masterful storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and performances that feel deeply authentic. pic.twitter.com/LU00mz6Zed
ALSO READ - The Odyssey Twitter Review: Audiences Call Christopher Nolan's Mythological Epic ‘A Visual Masterpiece’
Is The Odyssey Worth The Hype?
With all the reviews coming in, I believe The Odyssey truly lives up to the hype. It looks like one of Christopher Nolan's finest films. The performances by Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya and the rest of the cast have also received a lot of praise.
One quick tip - If you're not familiar with Troy, the Trojan War or the main characters, read a summary before watching. It will help you enjoy the film even more.
For me, The Odyssey looks like a film that's worth all the hype. It's one of those big-screen experiences you shouldn't miss.
