The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan’s Epic Masterpiece of Greek Mythology

Synopsis: Before diving into The Odyssey, it’s worth understanding the story that came before it. The film takes place after the legendary Trojan War, a 10-year conflict between the Greek kingdoms and the city of Troy. 

The war began when Paris, the prince of Troy, took Helen, the wife of the Spartan king Menelaus, making the Greeks unite and wage war against Troy. The Greeks eventually won by using the famous Trojan Horse. The Odyssey begins after this victory, following the Greek hero Odysseus as he begins his long and perilous journey home.

Gods who are involved in this story

• Zeus is the ruler of all the gods. He governs the heavens and has the final say in major disputes.
• Poseidon rules the sea.
• Hades rules the Underworld.
• Athena is the goddess of wisdom and strategy.
• Sea nymph Calypso lives in the ocean. 

Greek kings who are fighting against Troy

• Agamemnon – King of Mycenae and the overall commander of the Greek army.
• Menelaus – King of Sparta and Helen’s husband. The war began because Helen was taken from him.
• Odysseus – King of Ithaca, famous for his intelligence and for devising the Trojan Horse.

The film is an adaptation of The Odyssey. It’s a long epic poem divided into 24 books

• Books 1–4: Telemachus (Odysseus’s son) searches for news of his father.
• Books 5–12: Odysseus’s adventures, including the Cyclops, Circe, the Underworld, Calypso, and the Laestrygonians.
• Books 13–24:  Odysseus returns to Ithaca, reunites with his son, defeats the suitors, and is finally reunited with Penelope.

Part 1: The Trojan War and Telemachus’s search

The story begins after the Trojan War has ended. Almost every Greek hero has returned home, but Odysseus ( played by Matt Damon)  is still missing. Many people believe he is dead, as no one has heard from him for years.

Back in Ithaca, his wife Penelope (played by Anne Hathaway) is surrounded by powerful suitors who want to marry her and claim Odysseus’ kingdom. They live in his palace, waste his wealth through endless feasts, and even begin plotting to kill his son, Telemachus (played by Tom Holland), so that no rightful heir remains.

Determined to learn the truth about his father, Telemachus sets out on a journey to Sparta in search of answers about Odysseus’ fate.

Meanwhile, Odysseus is revealed to be alive. He is trapped on a remote island with the nymph Calypso (played by Charlie Theron), who has kept him there for years. She cares for him and wants him to stay with her forever, but Odysseus longs to return home to his family. During this time, the goddess Athena (played by Zendaya) watches over him, offering guidance and reminding him of his past as he struggles to find a way back to Ithaca.

Special mention: Robert Pattinson is phenomenal as Antinous, the chief suitor for Penelope’s hand. Despite limited screen time, he commands every scene he’s in. His conversations with Telemachus about Odysseus are chilling, and his quiet menace makes Antinous one of the film’s most memorable characters. He is the main antagonist in Ithaca. 

Part 2: Odysseus’s journey and encounters with monsters and gods

The second part of the story focuses on Odysseus’ difficult journey back to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Along the way, he and his crew stop at several islands, but each one brings a new danger. 

First, they encounter the Cyclops, a one-eyed giant who is the son of Poseidon. Odysseus blinds the Cyclops to escape, but this act enrages Poseidon, who curses him and makes his journey home far more difficult.

Next, Odysseus and his men arrive at the land of the Laestrygonians, a race of giant cannibals. They destroy almost the entire fleet, killing most of his men. Out of all the ships, only Odysseus’ own vessel survives.

The third major stop is the island of the witch Circe. She transforms Odysseus’ crew into pigs, but Odysseus confronts her and convinces her to restore his men to their human form. Circe then advises him that the only way to find his path home is to visit the Underworld.

In the Underworld, Odysseus meets the spirits of those who died during and after the Trojan War. He learns that the great commander Agamemnon was murdered after returning home because his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover betrayed him. He also encounters the legendary beauty Helen, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War. The king of Sparta made half of her face ugly so that no war like this would ever take place again (This is Christopher Nolan’s interpretation, not in the actual poems). 

As he moves through the underworld, Odysseus meets the spirits of those who have died, including many warriors from the Trojan War. He learns difficult truths about the consequences of his decisions and receives guidance about the challenges that still lie ahead. These encounters force him to reflect on the high cost of war and leadership before continuing his journey home. 

Part 3: The return to Ithaca and the ending

The final stage of Odysseus’ journey begins after he has spent seven years on Calypso’s island. Although Calypso loves him and wants him to stay, she realizes that his heart belongs to Ithaca and encourages him to return home.

Before leaving, Odysseus is advised to humble himself before the gods. He accepts his fate, seeks forgiveness from Poseidon for blinding the Cyclops, and places his trust in Zeus. With the gods’ permission, he sets sail on a small raft, and the sea finally carries him safely back to Ithaca.

However, Odysseus does not immediately reveal his identity. Disguised as a beggar, he quietly observes what has happened to his kingdom during his absence. He reunites with a few loyal servants and trusted allies while secretly planning his next move. Only after understanding the situation does he begin preparing to reclaim his home, his family, and his throne from the suitors who have taken over his palace.

Watch the trailer for the film