Thomas Storai 
“The Odyssey is a masterpiece. Christopher Nolan has crafted his most ambitious film yet. It’s a historical epic that delivers in every way.”
Christopher Nolan is back in cinemas with his latest film – The Odyssey, based on the epic of the same name by Homer. It stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Himesh Patel, Benny Safdie, Lupita Nyong’o and Charlize Theron. The film is available in several formats including IMAX 70MM. It releases in cinemas on July 17 in the UK and the US.
STORY
Let’s say it right away – this is the best film of the year, and no one will be be able to top it in 2026. Christopher Nolan has crafted his most ambitious film yet. It’s epic in scope—a grand adventure that never loses sight of its characters, making even its biggest moments feel deeply intimate. We all know Homer’s The Odyssey, especially those of us in Europe who studied it at school. Nolan honors the source material while confidently making it his own. The result is a historical epic that delivers on every level. It’s been a long time since we’ve had an epic of this scale and ambition. We needed one.
The Odyssey tells a monumental story, and its 173-minute runtime reflects that. But don’t let the length worry you—it never feels overlong. The narrative flows naturally, with a pace that perfectly suits each stage of Odysseus’ journey. At times, it slows down to explore the emotional torment of its characters; at others, it accelerates into thrilling moments of adventure. There are some intense action scenes, you can feel their physicality. The balance between introspection and spectacle is one of the film’s greatest strengths. Nolan also chooses a captivating way to tell the story, moving back and forth between flashbacks that reveal Odysseus’ journey and his present, where Telemachus and Penelope must endure his long absence as he struggles to find his way back to Ithaca. The full story gradually reveals itself through the characters, and there is something truly beautiful about that approach. It definitely strengthens the emotional moments.
IMAX 70MM
The Odyssey was shot entirely on IMAX’s 70 mm film, the first film to do so. There are different ways to watch the film. In IMAX 1.90:1, in 30mm 2.39:1, and, obviously, in IMAX 70mm 1.43:1. There are only 41 IMAX 70mm cinemas in the world, which means not everyone will be able to experience the film the way Christopher Nolan intended. That’s a real shame. However, if you’re lucky enough to have an IMAX 70mm cinema near you, don’t miss the opportunity to see it in that format. It’s an absolutely mind-blowing experience.
There is simply no other cinematic experience quite like IMAX 70mm. The sheer scale is astonishing, filling your entire field of vision, while the image quality is unparalleled. It offers a richness and clarity that digital projection can’t replicate. There’s also something tangible about the 70mm film format—a texture and warmth that make every frame feel truly alive.
VISUALS AND SOUNDTRACK
Because it was shot on 70mm film, the colors feel remarkably natural, closely resembling the way we see them with our own eyes. Combined with natural-light cinematography, the result is nothing short of breathtaking. Nolan further enhances the film’s visual beauty by relying on practical effects, meticulously built sets, and real locations. The 70mm format complements these elements perfectly, capturing them with extraordinary richness and detail.
The sequence featuring the Cyclops is particularly stunning. The practical effects give the creature a tangible presence, making it feel as though it truly exists within the world of the film. Every frame is crafted with exceptional care, resulting in a film that is consistently beautiful and visually striking. There are countless shots that you could freeze-frame and hang in a museum as works of art.
Furthermore, Nolan and Ludwig Göransson have teamed up once again, and it doesn’t disappoint. Indeed, Göransson delivers a majestic and unforgettable musical score. At different moments, it feels epic, somber, melancholic, and even hopeful. It runs the full emotional spectrum.
CAST
Moreover, Nolan has assembled an outstanding ensemble cast. Matt Damon delivers a tour de force performance. He brings all of Odysseus’ torment to the screen with remarkable intensity, making us feel his pain, resilience, and determination in a truly striking way. Working with Tom Holland for the first time, Nolan makes excellent use of his acting talents. Tom Holland is equally brilliant. Without a doubt, he delivers the best performance of his career so far. It’s a complex and emotionally charged portrayal that is truly memorable. He conveys Telemachus’ pain, longing, and anger with complete sincerity, giving the character both emotional depth and authenticity.
Anne Hathaway delivers a powerful performance as Penelope. She is utterly captivating, portraying Penelope’s resilience with such emotional conviction that the audience feels every moment of her strength, patience, and unwavering hope. She, Matt Damon, and Tom Holland all deserve Oscar recognition. Charlize Theron’s performance also deserves special mention. She brings a poised, calm, and reassuring presence to Calypso, exactly what the role calls for. John Leguizamo is equally well cast as Eumaeus, delivering a performance that feels completely natural for the character. Finally, Robert Pattinson is absolutely despicable as Antinous—and that’s a testament to just how great his performance is. He makes the character impossible to like, which is precisely the point.
VERDICT
The Odyssey is a masterpiece. Christopher Nolan has crafted his most ambitious film yet. It’s a historical epic that delivers in every way. It’s visually breathtaking, and the natural-light cinematography enhances the massive practical sets and real locations. Seeing it in IMAX 70mm is absolutely mind-blowing—there’s no other cinematic experience like it. Ludwig Göransson’s musical score is majestic and unforgettable. Matt Damon delivers a tour de force performance, leading an outstanding ensemble cast. He, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland all deserve Oscar recognition. Tom Holland delivers the best performance of his career. This is the best film of the year, and no one will be able to top it in 2026.
The Odyssey releases July 17 in the UK and the US.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
