Adelaide
Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2026
Adelaide Showground
Shot entirely on IMAX cameras (and bringing us an incredible promotional IMAX popcorn bucket), The Odyssey is an adaptation of the epic poem by ancient Greek poet Homer, written and directed by legendary filmmaker Christopher Nolan. This film delivers the scale and brutality one should expect from a tale of Greek myth.
The Odyssey follows the legendary Greek warrior and the King of Ithaca, Odysseus (Matt Damon), and his long, perilous trek home with his legion of soldiers after the battle and fall of Troy. The journey becomes increasingly difficult as they find themselves face-to-face with mythical figures such as the colossal Cyclops, Polyphemus (Bill Irwin), and the sorceress, Circe (Samantha Morton), as well as the wrath of Poseidon himself. Meanwhile, Odysseus’ wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and his son Telemachus (Tom Holland) confront their own trials and tribulations while they await his return.
The usage of modern language in a tale taking place in ancient times may sound like a questionable filmmaking choice, but this is not unlike the many translations of the poem that feature their own modernisations. In fact, it is utilised like a tool to effectively communicate the emotions of the characters to write its own poetry.
This becomes very apparent in the latter half of the film, especially in a sorrowful monologue by Odysseus himself. Matt Damon has delivered many an outstanding performance in his career, with his portrayal of Odysseus poised to take its place as a fan-favourite. Odysseus is flawed and mentally scarred, yet also clever, honourable and redeemable. His character and motivations are explored thoroughly with Nolan’s take on “The Hero’s Journey” narrative framework.
Nolan has done this before in The Dark Knight Trilogy, but this feels fresh as this is an analysis and deconstruction of the primordial version of “The Hero’s Journey”, from the ancient tales where the framework was born. These stories often contain heroes that are more morally ambiguous in comparison to their modern counterparts, who are drawn into an epic quest by fate and divine intervention. Their worth and character are continuously tested, where failure means instant death or something far worse.
The large-scale set-pieces and larger-than-life action sequences thoughtfully bring the epic to life. For example, the scenes featuring Polyphemus are as hauntingly eerie as described in the source material. This was accomplished through a combination of techniques, including animatronics, puppetry, and a 60-foot contraption to ensure scale was captured properly. The final result is a horror fan’s dream and an indirect homage to the late great Ray Harryhausen’s special effects work in classic films such as Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans.
The action is unrelenting and brutal, paired with an equally majestic score by Ludwig Göransson and an incredible, foreboding sound design. These action sequences transport filmgoers into the unforgiving world of The Odyssey, and thus the film is best experienced in a cinema setting.
The Odyssey is Christopher Nolan’s love letter to the ancient stories that have endured for centuries and continue to inspire modern storytelling. The film captures the spirit of the original poem, thanks to a strong creative vision.
‘The Odyssey’ is in cinemas now!
