**This article contains spoilers for The Odyssey**
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey was released in IMAX on July 17, 2026, for the whole world to see. It was also the first feature-length commercial film shot on 70mm IMAX film cameras.
Before The Odyssey came to theaters, it had already gained attention for its IMAX filming, the cast (featuring stars like Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya), the use of practical effects, physical puppets, forced perspective, and animatronics instead of computer-generated imagery (CGI).
The IMAX Experience
I went to watch The Odyssey on July 22 in an AMC theater that was showing IMAX screenings. I arrived right as the movie began; when I set foot in the auditorium, it was filled with anticipating people ready to watch the film. Before I went in, I was scared the movie wouldn’t be exactly like the original epic, but I was taken aback by the end. To say the least, the movie lived up to the expectations I had for it.
From the way Damon took on the role of Odysseus to the way the film was captured, it felt as if I were another character on set. The movie took us on a roller coaster. Even though we watched through a screen, the emotions one felt were truly there.
I thought the cyclops, Polyphemus, was going to be made from CGI, but I was surprised to see that it was a huge puppet. I especially can’t forget about the scream he let out. It was so loud that if your ears were clogged, they definitely popped by the end of the scene. I honestly got scared when I heard it. That specific scene also led to many comments on TikTok and Reels, becoming popular instantly.
My Thoughts
Out of the whole movie, my favorite part was when Odysseus finally strung his bow in front of all the suitors, and Penelope closed the door because she knew what was going to happen next. I was content, and in my theater, everyone started cheering. I don’t think any movie had ever made me feel so satisfied. Even though I knew how the story would end, I still felt those emotions.
After the movie’s release, a lot of people have hated on Zendaya and her role as Athena because of her lack of screen time. In my opinion, even though her role was very minimal, she did a fantastic job portraying the goddess.
Her role was shown well when we got a flashback to the fall of Troy. In the scene, Odysseus’ men were holding a Trojan woman, played by Zendaya, before she was killed right as the statue of Athena was beheaded. That was a very powerful moment that many people interpreted in various ways.
Overall, I really enjoyed the movie, as it encompassed mostly everything the original story had to offer. Nolan is an amazing director who knows how to capture the scenes beautifully, but even though all of his films are well made, The Odyssey is by far my favorite.
The Odyssey is still being screened, so if you go watch the film in IMAX, remember to bring earplugs and hold on tight for all the loud sound effects the movie has to offer!
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