Films at their best: The Odyssey (2026)

Hey everyone, welcome back to another week of film reviews.

Sorry for the one-week break, but I've been busy preparing to start my Master's degree in International Journalism next week.

Anyway, enough of me; let's dive into the 2026 action/fantasy movie called The Odyssey.

WARNING - Spoilers 

Plot 

The story begins with Odysseus, missing for twenty years after the Trojan War. He leaves behind his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, in Ithaca, where survivors aim to claim the throne and Penelope. Later on, Odysseus's journey to return home is recounted while stranded on the island of Ogygia. He and his crew encounter numerous creatures, but after his men disobey his orders, he destroys their ship, and he is left as the sole survivor. Eventually, he reaches Ogygia but loses his memory, regaining it seven years later.

Odysseus returns to Ithaca disguised as a beggar named Sinon and reunites with Telemachus. He learns the suitors have plotted against his family. He reveals his identity through a bow-shooting contest, which only he can carry out, and kills the suitors. Eventually, after regaining his home, he gives the throne to Telemachus and Ithaca to Penelope. He hopes to honour those who died because of his actions and to make peace with his past.

Analysis

As a movie watcher who doesn't really dive into fantasy, The Odyssey is definitely one to see on the big screen.

The cinematography was amazing and beautifully shot, particularly the boat scenes and the shots of the caves and forests. What really held the movie together for me was the strong casting from Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Anne Hathaway; I could really go on.

One thing I didn't like, or couldn't get myself to love, was the constant cuts between the war and present day. It was a lot to take in all at once. One thing about me is I hate gory scenes, and the parts where the suitors were being morphed into pigs had me turning my head away.

Also, I found the first ten to twenty minutes quite slow-paced, but after that the story picked up its pace.

All in all, it was an interesting experience to witness on the big screen. The Odyssey is a worthy watch for those interested in fantasy and Greek mythology.