Early reactions to The Odyssey are calling it one of Christopher Nolan's best films

Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, The Odyssey, is already making headlines even before its official release. According to Variety, The Odyssey was shown to film critics ahead of its release, and the reactions from people who have seen it are positive.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, famous for Tenet, Inception, and Interstellar, the film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy/Clytemnestra, Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron as Calypso, and Giuliano Ruta as a member of Odysseus's crew. Even before hitting theaters, The Odyssey has been voted the most anticipated film of the second half of 2026 at the Astra Midseason Movie Awards.

There's no denying that two-time Academy Award winner Christopher Nolan has built a reputation for making films that audiences genuinely wait for because of the concepts and creative storytelling. And from the positive reactions of the critics who have watched the film, The Odyssey could be another big win for Nolan.

What are film critics saying about Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey?

The first reactions from the film critics started pouring in after Universal invited them for an early chance to watch The Odyssey. People who have seen the film are calling it a "staggering achievement" and "another hit for Nolan."

Jazz Tangcay from Variety called it an "astonishing achievement" and a "triumphant, spectacular epic." While Nolan is already being praised, the critics are also all out praising the performances of Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Samantha Morton, and Robert Pattinson.

Erik Davis from Fandango called it one of Nolan's best films and praised its IMAX visuals, action scenes, and massive scale. He mentioned being surprised by:

"How much he embraces horror. Some of the film's biggest moments are genuinely unsettling, adding a whole new dimension to his filmmaking while never losing sight of the humanity at the story's core."

While Davis praised the entire cast, he said that Robert Pattinson gave the standout performance and described the film as a must-watch.

Collider's Peri Nemiroff praised Nolan for turning Homer's story into a film that feels both grand and emotional. She further praised its large-scale action and said the film also has a lot of heart and emotion.

While Jazz Tangcay from Variety mentioned The Odyssey's battle scenes at Troy, visuals, and cast, The Independent described it as Christopher Nolan's biggest film, praising its action scenes and cast members. Among people talking about the cast and visuals, IndieWire said that the film's ending "rewards the journey."

The Hollywood Reporter's Aaron Couch said the film includes Christopher Nolan's first proper horror sequence, mentioning that he has been watching his films in theaters since Memento's release.

Based on the positive reactions, The Odyssey is expected to be a big box office success and could even join the list of his great works. The film, based on the reactions, seems to be offering many emotional scenes and fight battles.

It is scheduled to be released on July 17, leaving fans with ten days of waiting.