'The Odyssey' Review: Christopher Nolan's Stunning IMAX Epic Takes Too Long To Set Sail

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is an adventure best experienced on an IMAX screen, but its nearly three-hour runtime feels unnecessary. Given that Homer's Odyssey unfolds over 24 books, distilling the sprawling saga into a nearly three-hour epic is an admirable accomplishment. While purists may lament the omissions, most theatergoers will likely welcome the CliffNotes version.

The Odyssey follows Odysseus (Matt Damon), King of Ithaca, as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. While Odysseus faces a perilous journey filled with mythical creatures, monsters, and other obstacles, his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) struggle to protect their home and kingdom from a group of unruly suitors. 

The first hour is the slowest. In keeping with Homer’s epic narrative, Nolan spends much of the opening establishing life in Ithaca in Odysseus’ absence.   Penelope and Telemachus fend off unruly suitors who are plotting to win Penelope’s hand and eliminate the rightful heir.

Nolan’s faithful adaptation, however, translates into a nearly three-hour theatrical journey that often feels longer than necessary. There are a few scenes that effectively establish the urgency of their situation, the characters at the center of the conflict, and plant the emotional beats that will pay off at the end. However, much of the first hour feels like it could have been significantly shortened.

Like Homer’s Book 5, Nolan dedicates much of the remaining runtime to Odysseus’ journey home as he encounters a series of challenges, mythical creatures and monsters. Odysseus’ travels are far more riveting than the drama unfolding at home. His adventures at sea are reminiscent of the classic Sinbad stop-motion adventures—only with a massive upgrade in visual effects.

The high-seas action, especially when experienced on a massive IMAX screen, puts viewers in the center of the crashing waves and mounting tension.

The production design between the film’s two evolving storylines is stark. The interiors of Ithaca are grim and dark, contrasting sharply with the expansive outdoor adventures of Odysseus.

Matt Damon carries the film with a character arc that fully develops over the course of his journey. Another standout performance comes from John Leguizamo, who steps outside his usual comfort zone to play the moral center of the film: a blind, elderly man who remains loyal to his former student, Odysseus, and his family.

Leguizamo, a major proponent of Latino representation in film, may have influenced Nolan to cast numerous Latino working actors in Odysseus’ army, including Maurice Compte (Breaking Bad, Law & Order: SVU), Jimmy Gonzales (Mayans M.C.) and Jessie Gonzales (Avengers, Flamin’ Hot).

Robert Pattinson and Corey Hawkins make effective villains, conniving together throughout the film. Pattinson, in particular, brings a creepy energy to the role through his twisted smile and scheming eyes.

The score by Ludwig Göransson intensifies the action and echoes the slow-building tension of Nolan’s The Dark Knight.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is worth experiencing on a large-format screen—especially IMAX—but be prepared for a very slow and, at times, boring start.

Cast List
Matt Damon as Odysseus

Anne Hathaway as Penelope

Tom Holland as Telemachus

Robert Pattinson as Antinous

Zendaya as Athena

Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra

Charlize Theron as Circe

John Leguizamo as Emulous

Jon Bernthal as Menelaus

Mia Goth as Melantho

Himesh Patel as Eurylochus