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The Odyssey first reactions are in after the Christopher Nolan film premiered in London, and it looks like he has done it again. Critics who caught the early screening are calling the Odyssey one of his best films yet. The Odyssey film's story, scale, performances and much more have been called 'Incredible'. Matt Damon leads the cast as Odysseus in this take on Homer's ancient epic. The film opens in theatres worldwide on July 17, 2026, and based on what people are saying online, it is shaping up to be a big one. Here is what critics had to say after watching it. The Odyssey cast also included Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and others.
The Odyssey first reactions were unanimous in praising not just Nolan, but also Matt Damon. Adjectives have been thrown around at both the film and its cast and crew like confetti. Just check out how the Odyssey won over the critics in their own words.
Erik Davis called the Odyssey "an absolute triumph and a crowning cinematic achievement," and said everything Nolan has been building toward with IMAX filmmaking "has culminated here." He also pointed to the action sequences, the production design and the sheer scale of the film as standout elements.
Matt Neglia said the the Odyssey film is "as epic as movies get," praising the practical effects, the IMAX camera work and how the story stays focused on leadership, homecoming and what it means to be human. He also had high praise for Matt Damon, saying he brings a surprising amount of emotional depth to the role of Odysseus.
Perri Nemiroff called the Odyssey "a filmmaking feast," saying Nolan manages to combine massive scale with real heart, and that it is hard to picture anyone else tackling this story with the same level of ambition.
Steven Weintraub praised what he called "flawless performances" by the Odyssey cast and said Nolan handles the story's supernatural moments with real confidence, calling the whole experience "incredible."
Critic Scott Mantz was just as enthusiastic, calling The Odyssey "stunning, exhilarating, fully immersive and breathtaking," and predicting another big win for the Oscar winning director.
Will-iam Smith had good words to say about the Odyssey story and how it was handled. He thinks the film works because its huge battle sequences and IMAX visuals never take over the story. Underneath all the mythology, he said, it is really just about one man trying to get home.
Ben Rolph called the Odyssey "an epic tale of unmeasurable scope," pointing to the music, which he compared to Ludwig Goransson's style. Robert Pattinson performance was a true highlight, he indicated. He also hinted that the Odyssey ending left people in the audience genuinely stunned - it literally blew their mind.
Jake described The Odyssey as Nolan's "most straightforward movie," while also calling it one of his most impressive. He compared its scale to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, praising both the attention to detail and the ambition behind it.
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey reimagines Homer's legendary Greek epic, following Odysseus (Matt Damon), the King of Ithaca, as he embarks on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Facing mythical creatures, vengeful gods and his own inner struggles, he fights to reunite with his family after years away.
The epic stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Zendaya as Athena, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Lupita Nyong'o in dual roles as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, and Charlize Theron as Calypso. Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey arrives in theatres worldwide on July 17, 2026.
