By 
The first reactions to Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” have hit social media, the reactions coming from a mix of junket press, premiere attendees, some critics and journalists, and the odd influencer.
As a result, the reaction was expected to skew positive, and it has – incredibly so. Responses call it “flawless filmmaking” and a “staggering achievement” with praise all around for the film.
Some welcome reveals from the reaction include how Nolan reportedly doesn’t shy away from some of the horror or supernatural aspects of the story.
Proper reviews aren’t out until next Wednesday, but here’s how people have responded so far, and I’ve tried to stick with critics/journalists where possible in the reactions posted:
“The Odyssey: a surprisingly natural (and less despairing) Oppenheimer follow-up about a man haunted by defying the gods & dooming civilization – this one fights to avenge his own hubris. IMAX obviously immense. Too clunky to be S-tier Nolan, but the last act rewards the journey.” – David Ehrlich, Indiewire
“Monumental on so many levels… more heart than any Nolan film since Interstellar. It crams so much, including overly cautious fantasy elements & curious real Greek history, that its scope outpaces even 70mm IMAX. But it is gorgeously outstretched. Anne Hathaway is the sincere anchor of the film and is phenomenal. My faves though are Samantha Morton as Circe and Rob Pattinson chewing scenery.” – David Crow, Den of Geek
“Believe the hype(rbole): The Odyssey is that film. Dense but accessible, packed with career-best work from the stacked cast – Samantha Morton is extraordinary – it’s a dizzying mix of craft and spectacle that’s built to last.” – Phil de Semlyen, Time Out
“THE ODYSSEY is staggering. Earthy, ghostly, weighty, touched by humor and grandeur alike. It’s pure cinema. Obviously the story is about returning home, but in a larger sense, this is also a return home to the robustly entertaining action movies that cinema was invented to tell.” – Joshua Rothkopf, The LA Times
“Christopher Nolan’s #TheOdyssey is flawless filmmaking, every inch as epic as you’d expect. Leading a stellar cast, Matt Damon gives Odysseus everything in a career-best powerhouse performance. Robert Pattinson is outstanding as Antinous and John Leguizamo’s Eumaeus is sublime.” – Simon Thompson, Gold Derby
“#TheOdyssey is monumental filmmaking, its interpretation of Greek mythology electrifyingly uncanny. Staggering scale, thrillingly staged action, rich emotional throughlines. The cyclops and Circe sequences are among the best of Nolan’s career.” – Jordan Farley, Games Radar
“Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of THE ODYSSEY is as epic as movies get with some of the most breathtaking set pieces he’s ever attempted. A colossal achievement of scale, even by Nolan’s standards. I grew up loving grand, sword and action dramas such as “Gladiator,” “Braveheart,” “The Last Samurai,” and yes, even “Troy.” I’m beyond thrilled to say Nolan’s ambitious dissection of myth and legend looms large over them all.” – Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture
“THE ODYSSEY is monumental. This is Nolan operating on a singular, accelerated level. Its spectacular cast, practical effects and gigantic scale come together to create a spin on Homer’s epic that might surprise people. A beautiful cinematic achievement, and a true masterpiece.” – Erin Mussett, Little White Lies
“Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey is a colossal origin-myth story of postwar disillusion and a loss of innocence witnessed by the dead.” – Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“As someone who has always been obsessed with the ancient world but has never had particularly strong feelings about Christopher Nolan… I am genuinely gobsmacked at how good THE ODYSSEY is. All the supernatural elements were great, surprisingly faithful considering how abstract parts of the story are, but he finds a way to make it work for his style/voice” – Clarissa Loughrey, The Independent
The film tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will.
It includes iconic episodes like his encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the nymph Calypso, the Sirens, the sorceress Circe, and all culminating in his reunion with his wife, Penelope.
Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth and Corey Hawkins co-star.
“The Odyssey” will be released in cinemas on July 17th 2026.
The post First Reactions To Nolan’s “The Odyssey” appeared first on Dark Horizons.
