Christopher Nolan’s Simplest Story Ever is Slow, But Impressive As An IMAX Spectacle
RATING – 3/5*
The Odyssey Review Movie Talkies:
Christopher Nolan finally comes up with a simple story that even a common movie buff can understand. The man who has made many complex films is now shifting towards a simpler narrative, which is a welcome change. However, it somehow lowers the sky-high expectations his hardcore fans usually carry into his films. Many have already asked whether they need to be “intelligent” to understand The Odyssey, like they had to be for Memento, Inception, Interstellar, Tenet, and Oppenheimer. The answer is no. Nolan keeps the story simple this time, but not his vision or storytelling. He still knows how to use the camera and background score to elevate even the most basic scenes. He did it beautifully in Dunkirk, and The Odyssey stands as another example of his cinematic brilliance. The difference, however, is that this one is not short or tight like Dunkirk. It stretches to nearly three hours, with the middle hour feeling dragged as it sits between the setup and the finale. Still, throughout the runtime, you get a grand IMAX spectacle, and this time, you don’t need to understand physics, timelines, reverse concepts, or anything complex.
The Odyssey Story:
The Odyssey begins with Telemachus (Tom Holland), who is waiting for his father to return home. It has been years, and Ithaca is suffering without its king, Odysseus (Matt Damon). His wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), refuses to remarry despite pressure from suitors who have taken over the kingdom. Meanwhile, Odysseus and his crew struggle to return home after the Trojan War. Their journey is filled with encounters with mythical beings such as the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the nymph Calypso. One emotional thread also includes Simon’s ghost, his trusted companion from the war. The central question remains: will he return home and save Ithaca?
At nearly three hours, the film’s length becomes one of its biggest drawbacks, especially since the narrative is neither complex nor particularly unique compared to Nolan’s earlier work. The war sequences are beautifully shot, and the background score is outstanding. We have seen Nolan achieve similar excellence in Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer, and here too, his technical command is clearly visible. The first hour feels crowded as characters are introduced one after another without enough depth, making it hard to connect with them. The second hour becomes more accessible but suffers from pacing issues. Thankfully, the third hour compensates with breathtaking sequences and a powerful, massy, and heroic climax.
The Odyssey Cast:
On the acting front, it is purely a Matt Damon show. Give this man an Oscar nomination already—he might even win it. He convincingly portrays two versions of Odysseus: one during the Trojan War and another years later. His body language and emotional depth make both versions believable, and he is phenomenal throughout. Tom Holland plays a supporting role and does full justice to it. While many still associate him with Spider-Man, he proves once again that he is a fine actor. Anne Hathaway as Penelope is striking, Robert Pattinson brings strong villainous energy, and Himesh Patel delivers a solid performance. Zendaya appears graceful and innocent as Athena. There has been discussion around Lupita Nyong’o’s character, with many questioning the portrayal of Helen of Troy. Frankly, even I couldn’t fully understand that creative decision—it does feel like it may have been intentional for controversy. Samantha Morton and Charlize Theron are fantastic in their parts, Elliot Page’s role is likely to spark debate, John Leguizamo feels natural, and the rest of the cast performs well.
The Odyssey Movie Review:
The film’s biggest strength lies in its technical aspects. The cinematography is breathtaking, with several frames that will leave you stunned. The use of IMAX cameras is a masterstroke, making The Odyssey a true big-screen spectacle. The sound design and background score deserve nominations across major awards next year. The action sequences are classy, and the colour palette remains visually rich throughout. Nolan may have chosen a simple story, but he hasn’t held back on intensity. The film has several brutal and insane horror-like moments that can leave you uneasy. Some sequences are gruesome enough to make you look away briefly, which likely explains its “A-rated” certification.
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Christopher Nolan has now become a brand in himself, and rightfully so. Over the years, he has redefined genres, storytelling techniques, and the use of sound and visuals, all while avoiding reliance on gimmicks like 3D. Having mastered complex narratives, it seems he is now exploring simplicity. Dunkirk hinted at it, Oppenheimer pushed it further while retaining complexity over physics, and now The Odyssey embraces it fully. This is, without a doubt, the simplest story he has told, but he still transforms it into a grand spectacle. Overall, The Odyssey is a good watch, though not a great one, mainly due to its pacing issues and straightforward narrative. That said, it still looks like another hit for Nolan. A bad film from him feels overdue, but I can only hope that day doesn’t come in my lifetime. His consistency over the past 27 years is remarkable, and if he continues this run, it may become truly unbeatable.
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