Christopher Nolan’s retelling of Homer’s famous epic Odyssey does justice to the theme of hero’s existential crisis. The movie and the epic have its similarities and differences particularly the characterization of Penelope. Yes, the unwavering devotion is similar, but in the film, Penelope comes across as a much stronger individual. The moral complexities of a war hero is well connected to today’s times.

Starcast: Matt Damon, Anne Hathway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and others

Genre: Epic

Direction, screenplay and producer: Christopher Nolan

Based on: Homer’s Odyssey

Music: Ludwing Gorranson

Cinematography: Hoyte Van Hoyetema

Production Companies: Universal Pictures

Running time: 2 hours and 52 minutes

Homer’s Odyssey is a major epic in Greek literature; it’s one of the oldest surviving works with immense appeal to the modern generation. Much like our Indian epics this too comes with an immense potential for a solid drama. Different versions of Odyssey before Christopher Nolan’s one has been there as well. Whether its book, movies or television. Since I haven’t seen or read any of those my review of the 2026 Odyssey would be a standalone one.

For those not familiar with Homer’s epic the plot focuses on the events following the Trojan War. Odyssey has spent ten years away from home and is desperate to meet his wife and son. In brief the story focuses on the different battles of our hero along with the various struggles faced by the family back home.

A solid aspect of The Odyssey is the detailed psychological insight given into our hero’s emotional baggage. Odysses’s guilt at numerous points coupled with some mistakes has been solidly written and enacted. The movie also dwells into the war causalities left behind. This is explored at different junctures, in particular there is a scene involving the ghosts of the dead who question Matt Damon’s Odysses.

The exchange between Matt Damon and the spirits explore the morally complex themes of duty, survival and honor. In connection to this a dialogue of our protagonist needs to be mentioned. ” We honor our dead by escaping”.

The loss of humanity especially the violence faced by woman has also come out in a striking manner. There is a crucial passage involving Samantha Morton’s Circe, Circe is a witch who turns Odysseu’s men into pigs. In a conversation with him, she opens up about a bitter past involving her sister referring to men as bastards.

As already mentioned the character of Penelope varies significantly in the movie. Penelope has some strong dialogues whether it’s the confrontation with the son or asserting her authority as Odysseus’s equal. Both the writing and Anne Hathway make sure that Penelope isn’t reduced to just a weeping woman. The way she holds things together in Odyssey’s absence making the suitors wait is a perfect example of this.

Talking about the movie’s dialogues there are many impactful ones at different junctures. For example, there is a scene of Matt Damon saying to Tom Holland’s Telemachus on how to not look for God in a man, you would be disappointed. Similarly, the sharp exchanges featuring Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson as one of Penelope’s suitors has some clap worthy dialogues, yes, these portions might feel too modern for purists. Still it gives the movie some of its best moments.

Robert Pattinson in a negative role fully embraces the character’s despisable nature making Odyssey’s eventual win all the more satisfying. Tom Holland as Telemachus is successful in bringing the required vulnerability as well as determination.

Matt Damon brings both physicality and an emotional weariness in equal proportion. He particularly shines in the scenes of Odysseus introspecting about his past and getting over inner demons. In smaller but important parts Charlie Theron, Zendya and Samantha Morton leave a solid impression too.

The cinematography of Hoyte Van Hoyetema is successful in capturing the vast landscape as well as the scenes of dangers. As viewers you feel that you are travelling with these men and hope that they make it safe.

As far as flaws are concerned Tom Holland’s characterization could have done with better etching. In the big fighting scene, he comes across as mostly a bystander with Odysseus doing most of the heavy lifting. Another problem is the tonal issue; from an antiwar movie it gets into a typical terrority of an Indian masala movie.

Odyssey is a rare combination of spectacle with a solid soul. In one way the movie feels like a continuation of Imitiaz Ali’s Main Vaapus Aaunga with its themes of humanity loss and the cycle of violence. Whether its war times in this case and border issues in that.