When I first heard about Christopher Nolan making a film about The Odyssey, I was simply excited. I’ve been an informal student of Greek mythology and have read the book multiple times. It is one of my favorite narratives among the Greek legends. So I knew that I was going to be fairly critical of the film and hoped that it would live up to my expectations. It went beyond my hopes, giving a masterfully performed film, an epic journey that is full of complexity and depth.
The Odyssey is an epic fantasy action film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. An adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, the film chronicles Odysseus’ (Matt Damon) long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War and his encounters with mythic beings as he strives to return home to his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and his son Telemachus (Tom Holland). It also highlights the efforts Penelope faces with multiple suitors attempting to force her to select one of them as her husband, including Antinous (Robert Pattinson). The film also stars Lupita Nyong’o in duel roles, both as Helen and her twin sister Clytemnestra, Samantha Norton as Circe, John Leguizamo as shepherd and faithful servant Eumaeus, Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron as Calypso, Elliot Page as Sinon, and Jon Bernthal as Menelaus.
Simply put, this movie is an epic film masterfully told and presented. While there are changes to the story, most of those changes are to help with the pacing of the film and are needed to keep the narrative from being too sprawling and long. The film keeps the heart of the story and balances it with the action well, keeping the story grounded in the various viewpoints beyond Odysseus such as Penelope and Telemachus. It is full of complexity and depth, an emotional powerhouse that demonstrates the dynamics of politics for Penelope, the danger of her and Telemachus’s position in the wake of Odysseus’s long absence to war and travel, and the aftermath of war on Odysseus and his men. Not only does it bring to life the story of The Odyssey with vivid life but also creates a narrative that is realistic.
I love how the film addresses the horrors of war that Odysseus experiences but also the changes that happen to his men and himself due to war. It brings to life the truth of what Odysseus does with his trick, that by tricking the Trojans he breaks the rule of civilization that people depended on, one that kept that peace between strangers during travel. I also liked how the action is balanced with the emotional weight of the film, the loss Penelope experienced, the dangers Telemachus and she face but also the weight of what they have endured. While this is mostly a film about Odysseus, the narrative also adds in the female voice with Circe, Penelope, Helen and Calypso, letting the viewer see how women endure in times of war, how they survive and struggle. Those emotional touches add to the complexity of the story.
The film making is incredible. I love some of the choices, like the Cyclops design being different than expected. The horse that the Greeks use for their trick is an amazing construction. The special effects rise above and beyond other films that I’ve seen. When Circe uses her magic, it is complex and powerful, especially in her use of hands to craft the changes in the men. The giants and other creatures in the film are horrific and yet still believable despite the fantastic elements. The designs of ships and buildings are creative and yet realistic, adding to the depth of the story.
The performances are beyond masterful. Matt Damon as Odysseus delivers a stellar performance, demonstrating his ability as a master craftsman and storyteller in his own right. He shows nuance and depth in the smallest actions, even a small motion like holding an item takes on broader meaning. He looks the part of the wise Odysseus but also a man torn apart by the ravages of war and time. Anne Hathaway as Penelope is powerful, a queen holding together her country for her son, holding onto hope even though she should be out of hope. Tom Holland as Telemachus is intense and emotional, especially in a scene toward the end of the film when he realizes his father is alive. His subtle expressions give us one of the most beautiful scenes in the movie. These three are the shining lights of the film but Robert Pattinson also gives a masterful performance as Antinous, sleazy and cowardly, a perfect characterization. Elliot Page is superb as Sinon while Lupita Nyong’o is incredible as Helen. Samantha Norton as Circe is amazing, her ability to demonstrate magic intense. John Leguizamo as Eumaeus , Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron as Calypso, and Jon Bernthal as Menelaus all add depth and intensity to the film.
While there may be small elements that others question, I can’t find any flaws in the story or the film. I will warn that if you are sensitive to flashing lights, there are a couple scenes to watch out for but only add to the magic of the story. If you like epic fantasy, Christopher Nolan films and are a fan of The Odyssey, I would run to theatres to watch this movie. It deserves to be seen in an Imax screen and I truly believe this movie is so masterful, it will take home awards this year. It is an incredible epic journey, a masterpiece of storytelling and performance that quite honestly is the height of Christopher Nolan’s abilities and is the best film from him yet.
Rating: 5 out of 5 bows
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