Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, opening in theaters July 17, presents a grand vision of the foundational epic, exploring modern themes of war and PTSD through its ancient narrative. While resonant and frequently bold, the film, starring Matt Damon as the titular king, occasionally falters in its storytelling and can feel rushed despite its nearly three-hour runtime, resulting in a sometimes frustrating but ultimately brilliant cinematic experience.
The film retells the familiar story of Odysseus, who has been missing from his home island of Ithaca for two decades after being summoned to the Trojan War. His wife, Penelope, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, and their son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland, endure the prolonged absence while opportunistic suitors, led by Robert Pattinson's Antinous, covet Odysseus' wealth and position. Nolan employs a non-chronological structure, mirroring Homer's original poem, to weave together Odysseus' arduous journey home and the domestic struggles faced by his family.
Nolan makes significant alterations to the source material, compressing plotlines, incorporating elements from other Greek myths, and omitting some iconic moments, such as Odysseus' famous "I am Nobody" trick with the Cyclops. These changes, while potentially irksome to purists, are presented as necessary adjustments for a feature film adaptation.
A Descent into Horror and Existential Dread
Among the film's most compelling aspects are the horror elements infused into Odysseus' episodic journey. The encounter with the monstrous Cyclops, realized through visual effects and the performance of Bill Irwin, emphasizes existential dread over dialogue. The creature's grotesque design and unsettling sound design contribute to a palpable sense of unease, highlighting a primal disconnect between the beast and its prey. Similarly, a journey to the Underworld is spectacularly depicted, featuring encounters with fallen soldiers who accuse Odysseus of their demise, forcing him to confront the cost of his actions.
Samantha Morton's portrayal of the sorceress Circe offers another memorable and horrific sequence, as she transforms Odysseus' men into pigs. This scene, along with others, serves to underscore the film's thematic examination of war's impact on the human psyche and the fundamental question of why humanity wages war.
Character and Narrative Challenges
Despite its strengths, The Odyssey struggles with certain narrative and character arcs. Damon embodies Odysseus as a conflicted warrior burdened by his role in the Trojan War, yet his character repeatedly makes the same mistakes, suggesting a failure to learn from his experiences. Damon's performance, while serviceable, lacks the inherent trickster quality often associated with Odysseus. In contrast to the classic interpretation where Odysseus feigned madness to avoid war, Nolan's Odysseus dutifully answers the call to arms, with Robert Pattinson's Antinous taking on the role of a draft dodger.
Pattinson delivers a committed performance as Antinous, but the suitors are largely depicted as one-dimensional villains, and nuances present in other interpretations—such as the potential resentment stemming from Odysseus' prolonged absence and the loss of their own family members in war—are not fully explored.
Tom Holland's Telemachus also proves frustrating. His character grapples with an inability to act against the suitors occupying his home, a dilemma Holland struggles to fully convey. Even during the climactic confrontation, Telemachus has a limited role. Anne Hathaway, however, is a standout as the patient and enduring Penelope. Her scenes with Damon are a highlight, enhanced by Nolan's invented pre-war flashbacks. Hathaway brings a fierce intensity to Penelope's confrontations with the intruders.
The film boasts a star-studded cast, with many actors in brief but memorable roles. Jon Bernthal appears as Menelaus, Lupita Nyong'o adds depth to Helen of Troy and her twin sister Clytemnestra, and Benny Safdie lends a commanding presence as Agamemnon. Himesh Patel provides nuance as Odysseus' lieutenant Eurylochus, Mia Goth makes an impression as Penelope's handmaiden Melantho, and John Leguizamo offers a touching performance as the loyal swineherd Eumaeus.
Divine figures are present but not always seen in the traditional sense. Charlize Theron's Calypso is reimagined, and Zendaya's Athena appears at pivotal introspective moments for Odysseus. Nolan's depiction of Athena, and the film's broader exploration of divinity and its influence on Odysseus' journey, stands out as a particularly strong conceit.
Spectacle and Unresolved Threads
Nolan successfully transforms many of Homer's fantastical elements—pig-men, giants, and living whirlpools—into terrifying or at least compelling components of the narrative. The IMAX 70mm production contributes to visceral, awe-inspiring moments, such as Odysseus witnessing his ship being torn apart by a storm. However, the film's exploration of a recurring idea about the erosion of civilization due to mysterious sea invaders and the decline of hospitality laws feels underdeveloped and ultimately lost amidst the grand spectacle.
The Odyssey is scheduled for release on July 17. It is a film marked by moments of brilliance and impressive visual execution, even as it navigates the challenges of adapting a timeless epic for the modern screen.