Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ generates first-reaction buzz, with critics highlighting scale and IMAX format

Christopher Nolan’s upcoming Universal Pictures epic, “The Odyssey,” is drawing attention from early viewers following press screenings and a London premiere where journalists and some influencers were shown the film, according to reporting by The Hollywood Reporter. The first reactions circulated the same day and centered on comments about the movie’s scope, its blend of accessibility and density, and what multiple outlets characterized as standout performances from its ensemble cast.

The Hollywood Reporter’s report says “The Odyssey” tells the story of Greek hero Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, who faces a long and perilous journey home from the Trojan War to the Kingdom of Ithaca. The film also follows Odysseus as he works to save his wife Penelope, played by Anne Hathaway, and his son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland, as he attempts to get his household and rule back in order.

A key piece of the early coverage involves the viewing format. The Hollywood Reporter reports that “The Odyssey” is the first film “entirely shot” in IMAX format, with critics being shown the movie in IMAX theaters where those venues are available. The distributor’s approach is also notable in the first-reaction process, with the outlet describing how Universal did not set up dedicated “word of mouth” screenings in the same way as some past marketing campaigns, instead bundling journalists and other press attendees into the first wave after the premiere.

Among the quotes highlighted in The Hollywood Reporter piece, Time Out film editor described the film as “Dense but accessible,” calling it “packed with career-best work” and singling out Samantha Morton, who the editor said was “extraordinary.” The outlet’s editor also wrote that they saw the movie twice and said they took away different impressions both times, describing it as “a chilling vision” and “a study of leadership,” while also noting “there’s even a few laughs.”

IndieWire, as quoted in The Hollywood Reporter report, characterized “The Odyssey” as a continuation of themes associated with Nolan while distinguishing the new story’s tone. The outlet’s comment described the film as a “surprisingly natural” follow-up, with IMAX used to emphasize the scale, and it included a critique that the movie was “too clunky to be S-tier Nolan,” before adding that it was “obviously immense.”

The Hollywood Reporter’s account also indicates that the first reactions were assembled using screenings tied to the London premiere and other press presentations rather than only social-media-first access. The report notes that the first reaction wave included professional journalists and others who saw the film, along with “some influencers” who participated in press junkets, reflecting a marketing strategy designed to control timing and initial commentary.

Beyond the immediate reaction quotes, the early attention points to how large-scale productions increasingly tie creative choices to platform-specific presentation. In this case, the IMAX-only shoot and IMAX screening plan, as described in The Hollywood Reporter, suggest a distribution and exhibition emphasis that could affect how audiences experience the film’s action sequences and visuals when it opens.

As the first reaction cycle continues, more detailed reviews are expected to follow from additional outlets and further screenings beyond the initial London and press showings described in The Hollywood Reporter report. For moviegoers, the immediate takeaway from early comments is that “The Odyssey” is being positioned and experienced as an immersive event, with its technical format and high expectations becoming a central part of the initial conversation.