"The Odyssey" (2026): An Epic Adventure in Cinema

The most we want is what the most we can’t have.

“The Odyssey” is a 2026 film based on Homer’s ancient Greek poem. The story follows Greek king Odysseus as he attempts to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. In his extraordinary journey, he faces mythical creatures, dangerous seas, and the wrath of the Gods. 

I went back and forth all summer about whether to see “The Odyssey” in theaters because of mixed reviews. Watching the film at the Cabot Theater was an epic experience. The film could have been shorter and trimmed most of its battle scenes, but “The Odyssey” is the definition of what cinema is about: creating new worlds for audiences. 

The cast is the signature part of “The Odyssey.” Several actors, who have been in several films over the past two decades, show incredible range. 

Matt Damon plays Odysseus. His performance is layered, portraying not only the warrior side, but a husband and father who struggles with his consequences. Damon has called working on the film one of the most challenging of his career. It was a physically demanding shoot and nothing like he ever did before, as he said. 

Starting as the clumsy Mia Thermopolis in "The Princess Diaries" (2001) and taking on the role of the resilient Queen Penelope is a remarkable achievement by Anne Hathaway. 

Robert Pattinson (Antinous) has undergone a similar journey in his career. He broke out of a stereotype to test his range. He is excellent at playing his character. 

This is a role I have never seen John Leguizamo (Eumaeus) in. Credits include Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Himesh Patel, Elliot Page, Benny Safdie, and so much more. 

Actors who have appeared in a movie years prior return in “The Odyssey.” Remember Bill Irwin, who played Cindy Lou Who’s dad in “The Grinch” (2000)? He plays the Cyclops. 

Christopher Nolan is a masterful director. From “Memento” (2000), “Interstellar” (2014), and “Oppenheimer” (2023), Nolan has an eye for cinema, with each project pushing new boundaries. He wanted to create something never done before, and his commitment is astounding.

The making of “The Odyssey” is a story itself. Behind-the-scenes work on any film is all part of the world of cinema. The film was shot across six countries and often on location. The film spent 90+ days in production. According to sources, Nolan filmed on mountains, beaches, caves, and open water. For more authenticity, the cast sailed aboard a real wooden ship. 

Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema shot the entire film using IMAX cameras, making it the first feature film entirely in that format. The scene with the sirens was effective in how they muffled the sound. 

The Cyclops is my favorite scene. It was a combination of practical effects mixed with puppetry. I remember one audience member jumped during the scene. 

Nolan’s trademark is non-linear storytelling. He allows the story to unfold in unexpected ways, but it can get confusing at times. 

My one negative is the fight and battle scenes. It’s what the film is all about, but it’s overloaded with fight scenes.  At nearly 3 hours, the movie could have trimmed some of these sequences for more character development. 

The Cabot made this movie experience all the more epic. I always enjoy watching movies in this 105-year-old theater because the auditorium enhances the sound, mood, and what cinema is all about. 

“The Odyssey” is an ambitious film. Beneath this grand-scale adventure is a story about courage and family. All audiences will have mixed reactions, but I say it’s worth the trip to the cinema.