Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey earns near-universal critical acclaim

Christopher Nolan's blockbuster adaptation of Homer's Odyssey, with a budget of $250 million and shot in IMAX, has garnered near-universal praise from critics. The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw gave it five stars, calling it a film with thrilling ambition, boldness, and flair. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent declared it Nolan's best work, while Robbie Collin of The Telegraph hailed it as the best film of the year so far. The Times' Kevin Maher called it a masterpiece in every way.

However, not all reviews were uniformly positive. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter criticized some dull interludes and anachronistic dialogue, such as Penelope saying "I've listened to you party." Classicist Mary Beard, writing in The Times, defended the modern language but took issue with the one-dimensional portrayal of Odysseus and the reduction of female characters. She lamented that this is an "Odyssey without the sex."

Guardian classicist Emily Hauser was more critical, noting that Nolan turns Penelope into the executor of her enslaved woman Melantho, pushing her into the slaughter. Hauser argues that the film offers a hero seeking redemption among men and absolution for a civilization's fall, leaving little room for nuance or women.