Christopher Nolan has done it again with The Odyssey, a film that is breathtaking in scale from start to finish.
There are spoilers in this piece if you haven’t seen The Odyssey yet.
Epics like this often fail to hit the mark, but Nolan has brought Homer’s epice Greek story to life in stunning fashion.
Odysseus, king of Ithaca, embarks on a perilous journey to return home after the Trojan War, and the story is told through the presentΒ in his crumbling kingdom and flashbacks of his journey.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus and he may well be in Oscar contention.
Matt Damon could be in Oscar contention for his leading role in The Odyssey.
His loyal wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) awaits his return as her ‘suitors’ ominously wait in Odysseus’ castle and take advantage of her hospitality, which is part of Zeus’ law, a big theme of the film.Β
Hathaway puts in a brilliant performance, as does Robert Pattinson as the villainous Antinous. Tom Holland’s performance as Odysseus’ son Telemachus is perhaps not as strong, but only in comparison to star turns from Damon, Hathaway and Pattinson.
Robert Pattinson as the villainous Antinous.
Odysseus is forced to deal with various monsters on his journey home, most notably a terrifying cyclops.
One striking scene, which would not be out of place in a horror film, involves the witch Circe, played to perfection by Samantha Morton.
Anne Hathaway plays Penelope.
Calypso (Charlize Theron) is another engaging character who keeps Odysseus stuck in time for years as he yearns for Ithaca.Β
The goddess Athena is a constant guiding light and companion to Odysseus, played hauntingly by Zendaya.
John Leguizamo plays Odysseus’ most loyal servant Eumaeus, accompanied by his loyal dog Argos.
Beyond the stunning visuals, The Odyssey is an excellent parable of war, as it focuses on the destruction and horror it leaves in its wake, even as soldiers return home years later.
It’s well worth a watch if you haven’t managed to get to the cinema yet… five stars.
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