The Odyssey (2026) Review: Nolan Takes Filmmaking to Another Level

A retelling of the classic Greek tale, but at the highest filmmaking standard by the master, Christopher Nolan.

Disclaimer: This review will contain spoilers from The Odyssey (2026), so readers’ discretion is advised.

Nolan Surpassing Expectations Again

Going into The Odyssey, I was a bit sceptical. For one, Nolan has never worked in an ancient mythological setting, and it being one of the biggest European literary works doesn’t help.

I feared that it would be the first time Christopher Nolan was going to disappoint me.

Well, there was nothing to be worried about because Nolan is such a master of his craft that it transcends the normalities of film. Give him a weak script, and he’ll find a way to make it brilliant – let alone the greatest masterpiece in Greek.

Almost everything was perfect. All aspects of filmmaking were on full display. The editing was superb, casting immaculate and pacing comfortable.

Read More: Best Christopher Nolan Movies

The Odyssey is a Must-Watch in IMAX. No Question

Before the movie’s release, most of us would’ve seen the different formats and how we would be seeing The Odyssey. Initially, I thought it was a gimmick, but seeing it in both IMAX and the standard version, the difference is huge.

Part of this is that The Odyssey is perhaps Nolan’s most technical movie when it comes to pure cinematography. Most scenes are shot on-site with very minimal CGI. Given the scale, it is almost a form of respect to film to watch The Odyssey in IMAX.

Immense Cast Choice and Character Writing

I have seen there are complaints that The Odyssey doesn’t exactly follow the source material. Then again, it is an epic poem written on papyrus scrolls, so I don’t think it’s a fair argument. Plus, I’m all in for creative liberties.

For casting, the elephant in the room would have to be Elliot Page’s character. I’ve seen on socials that some people wished he didn’t play Achilles. (which I am totally fine with). Well, he wasn’t cast as the legendary hero but played a more subtle yet integral character called Sinon. Despite having minimal screen time, Page delivered. Her display of angst and disgust at the manipulative Antinous is amazing and one of his best acting performances.

Speaking of Antinous, just how good is Robert Pattinson? This guy can seriously play all kinds of roles, and he was devilishly awesome as the main antagonist. His demeanour, dialogue delivery, and expressions were truly villainous- something rarely seen with Pattinson, as he is always portrayed as the protagonist.

The characters are also developed and written well. All core characters I could feel have changed at the end of the movie in a significant way, notably Odysseus, who accepted that the Trojan War he participated in had consequences – breaking Zeus’ laws – and there was no “victory” in the end.

Read More: Greeks and Goddesses in The Odyssey

Exceptional Pacing – Felt Like a 2-Hour Movie Rather Than 3 Hours

I am never a big fan of 3-hour-long movies; perhaps that’s why there’s still a large chunk of Scorsese movies I have not watched.

For The Odyssey, I watched it pretty early in the morning and with a runtime that long, I prepped for the worst.

Well, Nolan could’ve made it 5 hours, and I probably wouldn’t have been burnt out because the pacing is excellent. Combined with perhaps the most visually spectacular scenes of the year, the movie goes by in a flash as it really forces you to be immersed in it.

Every scene is a moment and every moment requires your full attention – at least it was for me. I just couldn’t blink. I think the last time this happened to me was my first viewing of The Man From Earth.

Final Verdict: A Technical Masterpiece for The Epic of Epics

Honestly flawless. The only movie in 2026 that is close to this level is Project Hail Mary, where both have their own distinctive strengths.

From a technical and filmmaking perspective, though, I don’t think there is a film in 2026 that will come close to The Odyssey. For me, everything that Nolan does is a privilege. A gift for cinema. A gift for everyone who loves what motion pictures bring.

The only sad thing is, we would have to wait who knows how many years for another Nolan project.