Directed by Christopher Nolan and distributed by Universal Pictures, this epic action-fantasy reimagines the ancient tale as a grounded, gritty exploration of war’s psychological toll.

• Cast: Stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, and Zendaya as Athena.
• Filming: It is the first blockbuster film to be shot entirely using 70mm IMAX cameras. Filming took place across six countries, including Morocco, Greece, and Iceland.
• Box Office: Released on 17 July 2026, it quickly topped the global charts, grossing over $640 million in its opening weeks.
• Themes: Nolan focuses on a soldier’s battle with PTSD and structural changes, altering the epic’s classic conclusion to feature themes of exile and generational healing.

Composed around the 8th century BC, The Odyssey is traditionally attributed to the blind poet Homer.

• Structure: Comprised of 24 books written in dactylic hexameter.
• The Plot: It follows Odysseus, the clever king of Ithaca, during his treacherous 10-year journey home after the fall of Troy.
• Obstacles: He encounters mythical perils like the Cyclops Polyphemus, the bewitching sorceress Circe, the Sirens, and the sea god Poseidon, who actively delays his travel.
• The Homecoming: Upon returning, Odysseus must sneak into his own palace to defeat a swarm of unruly suitors trying to marry his faithful wife, Penelope, and seize his throne.
• Impact: As one of the oldest surviving pieces of Western literature, it has experienced a massive resurgence in physical book sales—particularly Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation.

Over-hyped and disappointing it may feel if seeing it on an ordinary screen at your local cinema. It really is a necessity with this movie to watch it at an Imax theatre.

Although one can appreciate that Nolan has created a masterpiece for the IMAX cinema, it does mean that the vast majority of film-goers will not get to experience it as the director intended. Tickets for IMAX cost from £16 which can get expensive for a family of four whereas local cinemas may charge as little as £5.

With a budget of over 250,000,000 dollars, shouldn’t the film be accessible to all rather than those with more disposable income?

The film will do well and although being very dark in places and with questionable audio at others, it does deserve to have an audience. However, those who wait till it arrives on screening will only see part of the picture and not get the full experience.

If you can’t get to see it, watch Jason and the Argonauts, apparently it was one of the inspirational films behind The Odessey and one which delivers on monstrous encounters which the The Odessey somehow gives less time too.