Christopher Nolan's latest film, "The Odyssey," is generating significant buzz and overwhelmingly positive first reactions. The movie, an adaptation of Homer's epic poem, stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek hero returning home from the Trojan War. The supporting cast is robust, featuring Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Charlize Theron as Calypso, Lupita Nyong’o as Helen, Zendaya as Athena, and Robert Pattinson as Antinous. Critics are lauding the film for its colossal scale and breathtaking set pieces, with some calling it Nolan's "biggest film to date" and an "astonishing achievement."
Reviewers highlight the visual trickery and the immersive experience, particularly noting that it is the first film to be entirely shot in IMAX. Many have praised the cast's performances, with special mentions for Tom Holland and Samantha Morton, and Robert Pattinson is cited by some as stealing the show. The film is described as a "dizzying mix of craft and spectacle" that explores themes of leadership, male brutality, and an old-school adventure tale. Some critics were surprised by the incorporation of horror elements, with one reviewer noting a "fleshed out horror sequence" from Nolan.
The initial screenings of the film, especially for the 70mm IMAX format, saw tickets selling out rapidly, even a year in advance, with some scalpers attempting to sell them for over $500. Despite some minor critiques about the film being "clunky" or leaving audiences wanting more of certain set pieces, the overall sentiment is that "The Odyssey" is a must-see cinematic event of the summer and potentially the year, poised to have high re-watchability. It opens in theaters on July 17.
