‘The Odyssey’: Christopher Nolan delivers one of 2026’s most ambitious films

With every new film, Christopher Nolan continues to prove that classical filmmaking still has a place in modern Hollywood. From ‘Memento’, ‘The Dark Knight,’ and ‘Inception’ to ‘Dunkirk’, Nolan has consistently demonstrated not only an exceptional ability to tell compelling stories on the big screen, but also to embrace the traditions of classic cinema while making full use of modern filmmaking technology. Following the critical success of ‘Oppenheimer,’ the Academy Award-winning filmmaker returns after three years of production with ‘The Odyssey,’ a film shot entirely with IMAX cameras.

The original long way home

Based on the ancient Greek epic, ‘The Odyssey’ follows Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he attempts to return home after spending ten years fighting in the Trojan War. The film chronicles the decade-long voyage during which Odysseus must survive encounters with Greek gods, mythological creatures, and devastating shipwrecks, while also telling the parallel story of his son, Telemachus, and his wife, Penelope, who struggle in his prolonged absence.

Rather than presenting these events in chronological order, Nolan embraces a nonlinear narrative. Flashbacks are used extensively, allowing both the audience and the characters to gradually uncover key moments from Odysseus’ journey, often through the hero recounting his own experiences. Conversations become vehicles for memory, weaving together multiple storylines simultaneously. While we witness the hardships endured by Telemachus and Penelope in Ithaca, we also learn about the dangers faced by Odysseus and his crew across the Mediterranean. The structure keeps the nearly three-hour runtime engaging, constantly shifting perspectives without sacrificing narrative momentum.

Filmed entirely in IMAX, the movie takes full advantage of its format. Expansive wide shots dominate the presentation, immersing viewers in the breathtaking locations where the film was shot. The vastness of the sea becomes almost tangible, battles convey an overwhelming sense of scale, and encounters with mythological creatures emphasize the immense difference in size between humans and monsters. Nolan frequently introduces new locations through sweeping establishing shots before transitioning into tighter framing for intimate character interactions or moments that require greater dramatic focus. The extensive use of natural lighting throughout the outdoor sequences further reinforces the film’s grounded visual style.

That said, the production is not entirely flawless. Some of the large-scale action scenes reveal occasional continuity issues or background extras whose performances may briefly pull attentive viewers out of the experience. Fortunately, these moments are relatively minor and are easily overshadowed by the sheer energy and spectacle of the film’s action sequences.

In many ways, ‘The Odyssey’ recalls the grand epics of Hollywood’s golden age. Its reported $250 million budget, nearly three-hour runtime, massive practical sets, enormous battle sequences populated with hundreds of extras, and unwavering commitment to large-scale filmmaking make it the kind of cinematic event that few studios are willing to attempt today.

Between stars and gods

Despite featuring an ensemble cast filled with major Hollywood stars, two performances stand above the rest. Matt Damon delivers one of the strongest performances of his career, excelling both dramatically and physically. His portrayal captures two distinct versions of Odysseus: the younger warrior, fearless and determined to the point of stubbornness, and the older, battle-worn king whose hard-earned wisdom shapes every decision he makes. Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson steals nearly every scene as the film’s primary antagonist. He portrays a villain who is deeply manipulative, arrogant, and utterly ruthless in his pursuit of power, creating an antagonist audiences will genuinely love to hate.

Anne Hathaway is equally compelling. Every appearance commands attention thanks to her regal presence and emotionally charged performance, while Tom Holland successfully steps outside the lighter roles that made him famous, delivering a noticeably more mature and restrained performance.

No discussion of a Christopher Nolan film would be complete without mentioning its technical achievements. As expected, practical effects remain at the core of the production. CGI is used sparingly, primarily to enhance the film’s mythological elements. While some of the creatures occasionally exhibit slightly artificial-looking textures, these moments are infrequent and do little to diminish the film’s overall visual excellence. The sound design is equally remarkable. Environmental audio plays a central role throughout the film, from crashing waves and coastal winds to the metallic clash of swords and the snap of bowstrings. These natural sounds are complemented by a sweeping musical score built around both woodwind and brass instruments, creating an atmosphere that feels simultaneously ancient and monumental.

‘The Odyssey’ is already shaping up to be one of the defining cinematic releases of 2026—and one of the few films that truly demands to be experienced in IMAX. Christopher Nolan once again demonstrates that large-scale historical and mythological epics still have a place in contemporary cinema when placed in the hands of a filmmaker willing to fully commit to the format. Despite its considerable runtime, the film’s carefully constructed pacing ensures it never feels overlong. The constant movement between storylines, combined with breathtaking visuals and outstanding performances, creates a cinematic experience that remains engaging from beginning to end. It would come as no surprise if ‘The Odyssey’ emerges as one of the leading contenders at next year’s Academy Awards.

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