Universal Pictures and Syncopy’s The Odyssey (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; A) is an epic fantasy action film. It is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, Odyssey. The film chronicles the long and dangerous journey back home of Odysseus (Matt Damon), the Greek king of Ithaca, after the Trojan War. It talks about his encounters with mythical beings as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway). It is the gritty tale of a 10-year voyage of home-bound Odysseus, tired of warfare, bloodshed, violence, and the carnage which his own brilliance and expertise have led to. When the father doesn’t return for years, his son, Telemachus (Tom Holland), sets out in search of him and is thrilled when he learns that the father is still alive. Without Odysseus for 20 years (the first 10 years when he was on military exploits, chiefly the Trojan War), Ithaca has been without a king even as suitors offer to marry Penelope who is steadfast in her belief that her husband would return. It is this unfailing conviction that Odysseus is still alive that makes Penelope turn down every suitor’s marriage proposal. Does Odysseus return? Does Penelope remarry? Who becomes king of Ithaca?
Christopher Nolan’s story, based partly on Greek mythology, is very interesting and engaging. But it is also very long-drawn. His screenplay keeps the audience involved right from the word ‘go’. Yes, it does get tedious at times but the overall drama keeps the viewers entertained. The second half, especially, has the audience hooked on to the proceedings completely. The human drama is so wonderful that the viewers can’t take their eyes off the screen for even a moment after interval. Although the drama spans many years and is written in great detail, boredom hardly creeps in for the audience because it has so many turns and twists that the interest level rarely dips. Three major incidents which prolong Odysseus’ journey back home are: when a lone sheep leads Odysseus and his men into a cave where they encounter a one-eyed giant, the Cyclops (Bill Irwin); when enchantress Circe (Samantha Morton) turns Odysseus’ men into swine; when Odysseus’ men anger the Sun God by eating his cattle, despite Odysseus’ warning to them to not do so. The drama offers action, thrill, excitement, romance, emotions and more. The last around 30 minutes of the drama abounds in human drama and is extraordinary because it affords a lot of thrill. The steadfastness of Penelope in her faith that her husband would return one day is extremely heartwarmimg for the Indian audience.
Matt Damon lives the role of Odysseus. He acts with such effortless ease that it would appear as if he were born to essay this role. Tom Holland is extremely endearing and natural as Odysseus’ son and the prince of Ithaca, Telemachus. But he gets limited scope. Anne Hathaway looks stunningly gorgeous and acts with aplomb as Odysseus’ wife, Penelope. Her costumes (designer Ellen Mirojnick) and jewellery are fabulous. Robert Pattinson is effective as Antinous who is keen to marry Penelope. Lupita Nyong’o is pretty impactful in a double role as Helen of Troy (wife of Menelaus) and Clytemnestra (sister of Helen, and wife of Agamemnon). Samantha Morton lives the role of witch and Goddess Circe; she is truly terrific. Charlize Theron looks bewitching and makes her mark as nymph Calypso. Zendaya performs ably as Athena. Benny Safdie plays Agamemnon, the Greek king of Mycenae, with conviction. Jon Bernthal is excellent as Menelaus, the Greek king of Sparta. John Leguizamo leaves a fine impression as Eumaeus, Odysseus’ faithful servant. Bill Irwin is terrifying as Poseidon’s Cyclops son, Polyphemus. Himesh Patel is impactful as Eurylochus, Odysseus’ second-in-command and brother-in-law. Corey Hawkins is realistic as Polybus, an Ithacan suitor of Penelope. Mia Goth is okay as Melantho, the disloyal maid of Odysseus and Penelope. Logan Marshall-Green is alright as Melanthus, twin brother of Melantho and Odysseus’ dishonest goatherd. Travis Scott is effective as a bard. Elliot Page shines as Odysseus’ cousin and Greek soldier Sinon. James Remar (as Tiresias, a blind prophet of the Greek underworld) and Elyes Gabel (as warrior Elatus) lend able support. Will Yun Lee, Jimmy Gonzales and Andrew Howard (all three as Odysseus’ shipmates) do their parts naturally. Jesse Garcia, Rafi Gavron, Shiloh Fernandez, Nick E. Tarabay, Maurice Compte, Michael Vlamis, Iddo Goldberg, Josh Stewart, Ryan Hurst, Anthony Molinari, Jovan Adepo, Sean Avery, Ian Casselberry and the others do as desired.
Christopher Nolan’s direction is grand and outstanding. He has made a film which keeps the viewers mesmerised all through the narration. He has also extracted great performances from out of his actors. His larger-than-life shot takings are terrific. However, the emotional portions of the drama should’ve been more effective. Ludwig Göransson’s background music is phenomenal and worthy of awards. Hoyte Van Hoytema’s cinematography is outstanding. He has made the film a veritable visual treat. That it has been shot totally with IMAX cameras makes the visuals breathtaking. Ruth De Jong’s production designing is par excellence. Jennifer Lame’s editing is razor-sharp. Dubbing is extraordinary.
On the whole, The Odyssey is a blockbuster! It has tremendous repeat value too.
Released on 17-7-’26 at Maratha Mandir (daily 1 show) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: extraordinary. Opening: good (bumper in IMAX screens). …….Also released all over. Opening was historic at most IMAX screens, and good otherwise.