The Odyssey

The Odyssey
Stars: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, John Leguizamo, Zendaya and Charlize Theron
Director/Scriptwriter: Christopher Nolan based on “Homer’s Odyssey”
Composer: Ludwig Goransson
Cinematography: Hoyte van Hoytema
Universal Pictures
Running Length: 175 Minutes
Rating: R

“The Odyssey” has been done and redone and now, done again. Almost like doing the Bible-- not necessary. Homer’s poem from ancient times with the hero “Odysseus” having one adventure after another including a wooden horse (Trojan), Cyclops, the witch and so on. It takes 174 minutes to tell today’s story, so be prepared for a long movie. This “Odyssey” film has a first, though, and that is to be entirely filmed in IMAX. That should keep you awake. Amen.

That said, the main plot has Odysseus (Matt Damon complete with enormous beard) who disappeared because of the wars. His wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway) is left alone with their son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). Soon enough, the suitors come courting for Penelope’s hand, assuming Odysseus has perished. Now there are two stories here, one is the adventures of Odysseus while trying to get back to Penelope, and the other has Penelope trying to get rid of the many suitors who come a-courting. Both, husband and wife, have their individual battles to fight while pining for the other. There is an animal in the story, too, and that is Odysseus faithful dog, Argos, who lives so long he must be well-fed. Will Odysseus and Penelope ever meet again?

The storyline is interesting with all the monsters and holes in the path to overcome on the road back to Penelope. The film was done in several countries and sometimes, with the beards of that time, you can’t distinguish the actor. Matt Damon is a heroic figure, who makes mistakes and is not perfect. Something some previous Odysseus films forgot. Anne Hathaway does Penelope with strength and as her son, Telemachus, Tom Holland makes his mark. You won’t recognize Zendaya as Athena, but will recognize Charlize Theron as Calypso, a nymph on an island.

As far as structure is concern, “The Odyssey” shows much action, photography and music for the appropriate times. Hoyte van Hoyterna as cinematographer does wonders with the various settings for the film, and Ludwig Goransson’s music is a highlight. You could close your eyes and just listen.

Your journey to a movie theater will have a story of its own, and “The Odyssey,” even though it’s been told many times before, still leaves a mark.

Copyright 2026 Marie Asner