Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” earned five-star reviews from several leading critics as the IMAX epic opened in cinemas on July 17.
The Guardian, The Independent and The Telegraph awarded the film five stars. Critics praised Nolan’s ambitious direction, large-scale action and Matt Damon’s performance as Odysseus, according to The Guardian’s review roundup.
Guardian critic Peter Bradshaw highlighted the film’s ambition, seriousness and energy. The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin called it the best film of the year so far.
Rotten Tomatoes listed “The Odyssey” with a 96% critics’ score based on 270 reviews on July 17. The review aggregator praised its visual scale, ensemble cast and human treatment of Homer’s ancient story.
The 172-minute film follows Odysseus during his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. He seeks to reunite with his wife, Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and their son Telemachus, portrayed by Tom Holland.
Robert Pattinson appears as Antinous, while Samantha Morton plays Circe. Charlize Theron portrays Calypso. Universal Pictures and Nolan’s Syncopy produced the film.
IMAX said Nolan shot the entire production with IMAX film cameras, making it the first feature completed in that format.
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The reviews were not uniformly positive. Hollywood Reporter critic David Rooney questioned the film’s structure and contemporary dialogue. Time also argued that the spectacle did not produce a consistently engaging movie.
