Critics rave about Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in first reactions

Published 8 July 2026. Words like "tonight" or "next week" refer to that date.

Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey has generated overwhelmingly positive reactions from critics and press attendees following its first screenings, with reviewers calling it a masterpiece of modern cinema.

The initial wave of reviews, compiled from critics, journalists, and industry attendees, has praised the film's ambition, visual spectacle, and emotional depth. Responses consistently highlight Nolan's refusal to shy away from the story's horror and supernatural elements, marking a departure from his previous work.

What critics are saying

David Ehrlich of Indie Wire called it "a natural and less despairing Oppenheimer follow-up about a man haunted by defying the gods and dooming civilization," noting that while the IMAX presentation is sometimes "clunky," the final act "rewards the journey."

David Crow of Den of Geek described the film as "monumental on so many levels" with "more heart than any Nolan film since Interstellar," praising its blend of fantasy and history. He highlighted performances from Samantha Morton and Robert Pattinson, who he said is "chewing through scenery."

Phil de Semlyen of Timeout wrote: "Believe the hyperbole. The Odyssey is that film. Dense but accessible, packed with career best work from the cast. Samantha Morton is extraordinary."

Joshua Rothkopf of the Los Angeles Times called it "staggering, earthly, ghastly, weighty, touched by humor and grandeur alike. It's pure cinema."

Simon Thompson of Gold Derby declared it "flawless filmmaking," praising Matt Damon's "career best powerhouse performance" alongside strong work from Robert Pattinson and John Leguizamo.

Jordan Farley of Games Radar highlighted the film's "monumental filmmaking" and "electrifyingly uncanny" take on Greek mythology, singling out the Cyclops and Cersei sequences as "among the best of Nolan's career."

The story and cast

The film tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, following his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. It explores themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will, adapting iconic episodes including encounters with the Cyclops, the nymph Calypso, the Sirens, and the sorceress Circe, culminating in Odysseus's reunion with his wife Penelope.

The ensemble cast includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Benicio Del Toro, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo, Dev Patel, Bill Irwin, John Bernthal, Mia Goth, and Corey Hawkins.

No early warning signs

Nolan has never faced early speculation about a film underperforming before release. His most recent work, Oppenheimer, won multiple Academy Awards, and even his most divisive recent film, Tenet, maintained critical respect for its visual ambition despite being considered overly complicated by some viewers.

The Odyssey was released on July 17, 2026.