By: Hannah Daidone
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey brings poet Homer’s famous story to the movies through a combination of adventure, mythology, and dramatic storytelling. The film switches between the perspectives of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War, and his son (Does Odysseus’ son have a name?) voyaging to find the father he’d never known. Both facing dangerous obstacles and unfamiliar challenges along the way, one of the film’s strongest features is its incredible visuals, which help create an immersive world and make the journey’s feel as though you are a character. The actors also add depth to the cast, putting on an incredible show of emotions as the story explores themes of loyalty, perseverance, family, and the consequences of one’s choices. However, the film has a two-hour and 52-minute runtime, large number of characters, and storylines that make certain parts difficult to follow, especially for viewers who are unfamiliar with the original plot. While some moments may feel less interactive than others, the film ultimately offers a modern interpretation of a classic story while maintaining many of its central values. Overall, The Odyssey is a visually pleasing and complex portraying that will appeal to viewers interested in mythology, adventure, and harmonious reunions.
