The Odyssey

Manuel São Bento 8/1/2026 8:42:16PM 8.4

Check out my full review @ https://www.manuelsbento.com/the-odyssey-2026-christopher-nolans-most-faithful-epic-is-also-his-most-ambitious-one/ Rating: A+ (updated after second viewing) THE ODYSSEY is a maximalist, deeply faithful adaptation of Homer's poem that somehow ends on a quiet, contemplative note despite everything it throws at you along the way. Completely unafraid of its own scale and scope, it's ten years of war, myth, and horror (!) woven into the story so tightly that the whole thing paradoxically feels more grounded, not less. An astonishingly stacked ensemble led by a phenomenal Matt Damon, deceptively convincing practical effects, and filmmaking craft firing on every level. Ludwig Göransson's score alone is worth the ticket. Easily one of the best theatrical experiences of the year. This is Christopher Nolan at his most alive. SECOND VIEWING: Just rewatched THE ODYSSEY and somehow loved it even more the second time around. Knowing the whole story only made certain scenes hit harder, especially the moment Odysseus finally opens up to Penelope about what the Battle of Troy really cost him. Cried through most of it. The film moves with even more confidence once you already know where it's headed, and I can't find a single scene I'd cut. This is my first A+ since Dune: Part Two.

Nick 7/19/2026 7:31:46AM 8.4

Homer's epic has endured for thousands of years, and Nolan's adaptation reminds you exactly why. The dialogue is lean and purposeful, he trusts the audience completely, and every setpiece — Cyclops, Sirens, Ithaca's reckoning — builds to a stunning finish. Superb acting, cinematography, and seeing it in IMAX just adds to everything that makes it epic. The year's best film, full stop.

BubbanTexas 8/1/2026 10:13:10PM 8.4

Movie actually surprised me. It was told in such a way that I was never bored. It bounce between current and past events in such a way it felt like a memory. The visuals were amazing. Simple and not so CGI that you felt like you watching a cartoon or some garbage AI generation. All the actors gave great performances. You knew who to hate and who to love. I recommend this one.