Jul 15, 2026 1:13pm IST
‘The Odyssey’ Early Reviews: Christopher Nolan’s Epic Is Hailed As ‘Monumental,’ ‘A Mythical Nightmare’ And A ‘Massive Oscar Contender’
The first reactions to Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated cinematic epic, “The Odyssey”, have finally landed, painting a picture of a monumental, jaw-dropping experience that might just be the definitive movie of 2026. Shot entirely on large-format IMAX cameras, the film adapts the classic epic with a distinctly Nolan-esque twist. Critics are describing it as a colossal origin-myth story exploring postwar disillusion and a loss of innocence, leaning surprisingly hard into psychological horror. While the scale and staggering performances have immediately positioned it as the early Oscar frontrunner to beat, a few familiar Nolan critiques regarding sound and pacing have also emerged.
The overwhelming consensus among industry insiders frames the film as a masterclass in scale, even by Nolan's notoriously massive standards. Austin Burke, a Rotten Tomatoes critic, heralded the film as an experience, suggesting it may be the definitive cinematic experience of 2026, and noted that Nolan has crafted something truly monumental. Matching that awe, Stephen Ford stated that “The Odyssey” is the kind of movie where viewers completely forget they are even watching a film, describing it as a dream-like, mythical nightmare that seamlessly blends elements from all of Nolan's previous works. Adding to the chorus of high praise, Gene Park of The Washington Post admitted to being left absolutely speechless by the sheer weight of the experience.
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Erik Davis, the head of social at Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, called the film an absolute triumph and a crowning cinematic achievement from one of the great filmmakers of our time. Davis noted that everything Nolan has been working toward with the IMAX format has culminated here, resulting in breathtaking action, incredible production design, and a scale unlike anything the director has attempted before.
Beyond the technical marvel of the IMAX visuals, critics were struck by the film's unexpectedly dark thematic shifts. Peter Bradshaw, a film critic for The Guardian, characterized Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” as a colossal origin-myth story of postwar disillusion and a loss of innocence witnessed by the dead.
Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey is a colossal origin-myth story of postwar disillusion and a loss of innocence witnessed by the dead. Review later
— Peter Bradshaw (@PeterBradshaw1) July 6, 2026
This haunting atmosphere was echoed by Erik Davis of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, who expressed surprise at how deeply Nolan embraces horror in this project. Davis pointed out that some of the film’s biggest moments are genuinely unsettling, adding a whole new dimension to Nolan's filmmaking while crucially never losing sight of the humanity at the core of the story.
Massive cheers and applause out of the NYC premiere for #TheOdyssey. A second watch is essential imo. Found myself overwhelmed by emotions the second time through. Lots of tears. Leaned into the details, lost myself in Ludwig’s incredible score.
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) July 15, 2026
I feel confident in saying this… pic.twitter.com/ZC5tMEF3El
Matt Neglia, the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of the entertainment awards site Next Best Picture, also praised the film's staggering set-pieces, calling it a colossal achievement of scale.
Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of THE ODYSSEY is as epic as movies get with some of the most breathtaking set pieces he’s ever attempted. A colossal achievement of scale, even by Nolan’s standards, its commitment to capturing as much as possible in-camera using new IMAX cameras… pic.twitter.com/UOOHd6lkbT
— Matt Neglia (@NextBestPicture) July 6, 2026
Despite the wave of hyperbole, the film did not escape criticism entirely, as a few writers pointed out familiar bumps in the director's style. Edward Douglas, the Editor, Film Critic, and Host of ‘The Weekend Warrior Show’, stated that he is going to struggle to give “The Odyssey” more than a mixed review.
Gonna struggle to give The Odyssey more than a mixed review cause it suffers from many issues, including lighting, pacing, and a muddy sound mix that made it tough to understand anything or anyone. Best parts were the ones involving things like Circe and the Cyclops.
— Edward Douglas (@EDouglasWW) July 14, 2026
Douglas explained that the film suffers from many issues, explicitly citing the lighting, the pacing, and a muddy sound mix that made it tough to understand anything or anyone, though he admitted the best parts of the movie were the sequences involving mythical figures like Circe and the Cyclops.
David Ehrlich, a critic for IndieWire, also commented that the film is too clunky to be considered "S-tier Nolan," though he conceded that it is surprisingly natural, less despairing than *Oppenheimer*, and features a final act that heavily rewards the journey.
The Odyssey (x2): like all of Nolan’s best movies (and I’m starting to think this is one of them), it’s better the second time when you know its rhythms & echoes. the 70mm sings - IMAX is a spectacle but the format’s bluntness doesn’t always suit the fluidity of his storytelling.
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) July 14, 2026
Ultimately, the conversation is heavily pivoting toward the upcoming awards circuit. Anne Thompson, the editor-at-large for IndieWire, confidently called the film the Best Picture contender to beat, adding that her incredibly high expectations were fully met by the stunningly mounted production.
The ensemble cast is also tracking for major awards recognition. Anne Thompson of IndieWire noted that Matt Damon could easily win Best Actor for his role. Erik Davis of Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes agreed that Matt Damon is excellent and Anne Hathaway is incredible, while Tom Holland continues to prove he can do just about anything. However, Davis emphasized that Robert Pattinson absolutely stole the show, describing his performance as conniving, manipulative, and endlessly entertaining to watch as he leans all the way into the character's villainy. With Rotten Tomatoes critic Austin Burke already declaring a few of these performances to be absolute nomination locks, “The Odyssey” has officially set the standard for the year in film.
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