Christopher Nolan takes on one of the greatest stories ever told with The Odyssey. Putting the pre-release controversies aside — if at all possible — the question remains: did Nolan do one of Greek mythology’s greatest tales justice?

Homer’s classic tale follows the legendary hero Odysseus as he begins his long journey home after the Trojan War. It’s an arduous road, filled with mythical creatures, vengeful gods and impossible challenges as he fights to return to his wife and reclaim his kingdom.

While the ancient Greek epic has inspired countless adaptations over the years, a true blockbuster adaptation has been surprisingly rare. Nolan takes this iconic myth and does his thing, giving it the cinematic scale we’ve come to expect from one of today’s biggest filmmakers. Despite spending much of his career redefining modern sci-fi, Nolan proves he doesn’t need spaceships or time-bending concepts to create something extraordinary.

Working once again with a non-linear structure, the filmmaker slowly reveals Odysseus’ journey after Troy, with each revelation adding another piece to the bigger picture. Nolan keeps you invested; every scene feels like it has a purpose. Shot with IMAX cameras and backed by one of Nolan’s biggest budgets, The Odyssey is clearly made for the largest screen you can find. The practical effects, massive locations and larger-than-life set pieces help sell this mythical world.

If there’s one thing Nolan always nails, it’s pacing. His command of narrative rhythm, combined with a fantastic score from Ludwig Göransson (Oppenheimer, Black Panther), creates a constant sense of urgency. The music is loud and pulsing, pushing the film forward before easily shifting into soaring melodic passages when the moment calls for it. It’s a sonic contrast that makes the quieter emotional moments hit harder. On the flip side, a familiar Nolan sound-mixing issue remains, with the booming score and sound effects occasionally overpowering the dialogue.

Surprisingly, Nolan also embraces horror elements, bringing some of the darker moments of the myth to life with restraint and craftsmanship. And because these sequences are handled with such elegance, there is a strange sense of beauty and awe in witnessing the monstrosities unfold on screen.

The action is equally well crafted and carefully placed, with each impressive sequence serving a clear purpose. Rather than relying on constant chaos or excessive violence, Nolan makes every fight feel grounded, stylish and impactful. The brutality is there when needed, but it’s never overdone, delivering intensity through the weight of each moment rather than simply chasing shock value.

Nolan also modernises the dialogue, making this centuries-old legend easier for a modern audience to connect with. While some may find that the contemporary language and accents clash with the ancient setting, I thought they made the characters more relatable while allowing the plot to remain easy to follow.

As expected, Nolan brings together another stacked cast, and each major actor plays to their strengths. Matt Damon gives Odysseus more than just the image of a legendary warrior, bringing vulnerability and exhaustion to his journey home. Tom Holland adds genuine emotional weight, with his facial expressions alone making it look as though he’s experiencing his own version of Aunt May’s death scene ten times over. Anne Hathaway is a highlight, adding heart to Odysseus’ motivation and delivering one of the strongest performances of her career.

Robert Pattinson fully embraces his darker side, confidently playing a straightforward villain with an unpredictable edge. Jon Bernthal delivers the badass presence audiences expect while still playing the role with confidence and control.

Some supporting cast choices are more surprising than others. John Leguizamo and Elliot Page feel a little out of place at times, but they still commit to their roles. Travis Scott especially embraces the bard role, delivering poetry like he’s performing at an open mic night.

I’m no Greek mythology scholar, nor did the surrounding controversies do much to shape my expectations going in. What mattered was the film itself. Nolan has earned my trust as a filmmaker; once again, he rewards it.

While some creative liberties may frustrate Greek mythology enthusiasts and certain casting choices may not work for everyone, there’s no denying The Odyssey is an impressive achievement. Nolan delivers a grand adventure that balances scale and emotion. More than just a blockbuster, it’s a cinematic experience. And while it may not be a perfect journey, it’s damn close to one. It also serves as another reminder that some tales survive for thousands of years for a reason.