The Odyssey (2026)
Dir, Christopher Nolan
Language : English
Genre : Fantasy/Action
By : Eswandy Asre
Just finished watching Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey and I genuinely enjoyed it.
One thing that never disappoints in a Nolan film is the musical score. The music isn't just there to fill the silence. It carries the emotion, builds suspense and gives every scene an epic sense of scale. It's another reminder of how important sound is in Nolan's storytelling.
What surprised me most is how accessible The Odyssey is. Unlike Tenet or even Interstellar, this is one of Nolan's easiest films to follow. You don't have to constantly solve a puzzle to appreciate what's happening. You simply get to immerse yourself in the journey. While Homer's original Odyssey is an episodic tale filled with many adventures during Odysseus' long voyage home, Nolan streamlines the narrative into a more emotionally driven cinematic experience without losing the spirit of the classic.
Matt Damon deserves a lot of praise as Odysseus. His performance convincingly captures a man who has endured unimaginable hardship, and you can truly feel the emotional weight of a hero separated from his beloved wife, Penelope, for twenty years. His journey isn't just physical. It's an emotional rollercoaster of hope, despair, sacrifice and perseverance. In comparison, Tom Holland as Telemachus is serviceable, but I found his performance rather average. I never fully believed him as the son destined to carry the legacy of a legendary warrior, especially when sharing the screen with Damon's commanding presence.
Another aspect I admire is Nolan's commitment to practical effects. In an era dominated by CGI spectacles, it's refreshing to see the emphasis on tangible filmmaking. Whether it's the intimidating Cyclops (Polyphemus) or the magnificent Trojan Horse, these moments feel grounded and immersive because they appear to have genuine physical presence rather than existing solely as digital creations.
And yes, there's the much-talked-about "woke in film" debate surrounding the movie. Personally, I don't think it's significant enough to overshadow the film itself. Once the story begins, it's the performances, craftsmanship, music and emotional journey that matter far more.
My personal takeaway is that Nolan once again explores a theme that has appeared throughout much of his filmography: humanity's progress through curiosity and the willingness to challenge accepted beliefs. Here, the story can be read as a journey from superstition and conservative thinking toward reason, exploration and the pursuit of knowledge. Whether that interpretation was Nolan's primary intention is open to debate, but it's the idea that resonated most with me.
If you're planning to watch it, watch it in IMAX. This is exactly the kind of film IMAX was made for. The breathtaking visuals, immersive sound, and grand scale deserve the biggest screen possible. Don't wait for streaming. This is a cinematic experience that should be experienced in the cinema.
*This article is written based on the writer’s personal reflections, views and expressions toward the subject matter.