If you only see one film this month, make it The Odyssey. Christopher Nolan has taken literally one of history’s greatest stories and turned it into a cinematic experience that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Visually breathtaking, emotionally driven and packed with performances that stay with you long after the credits roll, this is one of those films that reminds you why going to the cinema is so so special.

First Thoughts

Let’s get this out of the way before I get into it…

No, I didn’t see The Odyssey in IMAX “as Christopher Nolan intended.”

Yes, I’ve heard the joke. We all have! Instead, I headed to my local Odeon, picked the biggest screen they had and settled in, ready to be swept away by one of the greatest stories ever told.

And honestly? I loved every minute.

Cinematography That Deserves the Big Screen

The first thing that grabbed me wasn’t the action. It was of course, the cinematography.

As someone who spends a lot of time editing videos, I notice the little things. A lingering shot. A subtle camera movement. A perfectly timed cut. Those tiny decisions can completely change how you feel in a scene, and The Odyssey is absolutely full of them.

Every frame feels fully intentional and for me, (especially as a cinema membership person), that’s what cinema is all about.

We’ve spent years watching films lean heavily on CGI. Don’t get me wrong, it absolutely has its place, but I think we reached a point where we forgot that practical filmmaking can be just as breathtaking.

And I gotta say, Christopher Nolan reminds us of that here.

Nothing felt overdone. The landscapes felt endless, the ships felt enormous and every location had a sense of realism that pulled me deeper into the story. Rather than relying on visual effects to impress, the film trusts its cinematography to do the talking.

And honestly, it just works so beautifully.

Matt Damon Was Born to Play Odysseus

Matt Damon was simply magical. As I watched him, I couldn’t help but think back through all the incredible films he’s been in. Good Will Hunting, Saving Private Ryan, The Martian, The Bourne films… and somehow, he just keeps delivering.

He never feels like Matt Damon playing a part.

He really goes become the character.

As Odysseus, he carries the weight of every decision, every loss and every mile of the journey home. You genuinely believe the love he has for Penelope is enough to keep him going through every impossible challenge, every mythical creature and every god determined to stop him.

There’s a running joke that Hollywood is always trying to get Matt Damon home. Well… this time that’s literally the story.

A Cast That Completely Commits

The supporting cast was fantastic.

Tom Holland brought a youthful determination that balanced the film perfectly, and Anne Hathaway completely embodied Penelope. She brought such warmth, strength and unwavering loyalty that you understood exactly why Odysseus never stopped fighting to return home.

Then there’s Robert Pattinson.

I’ve always admired him as an actor, but this performance genuinely surprised me.

At times I forgot I was even watching Robert Pattinson. His posture, his expressions and even the way he carried himself felt completely different. He disappeared into the role so well that I found myself genuinely disliking his character…

And that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give an actor.

Is The Odyssey Worth Watching in IMAX?

If you have the chance, absolutely. Honestly, just do it, if it is possible.

Christopher Nolan filmed much of The Odyssey using IMAX film cameras, which basically capture a much larger image than standard cinema cameras. On a true IMAX screen, you’re not just getting a bigger picture… you’re actually seeing more of every frame.

The towering cliffs, the endless sea and the sheer scale of the journey were designed with that format in mind.

But here’s the thing… Don’t let the IMAX conversation stop you from seeing it. I watched it on the biggest standard screen I could find and still walked out completely captivated.

Final Verdict

The Odyssey truly reminded me why I love going to the cinema.

Not because it has the biggest battles or the loudest soundtrack, but because every shot feels like it has a purpose. Every performance has such heart to it. Every emotional beat is given the time it deserves.

As someone who loves nothing more than a bit of visual storytelling, I couldn’t stop appreciating the care that had gone into every frame. It’s the sort of filmmaking that inspires me as an editor because it proves that sometimes the smallest choices have the biggest emotional impact.

So my advice is simple, please don’t wait for streaming. Don’t spend weeks debating whether to see it in IMAX or your local cinema. Please just go.

Watch it on the biggest screen you can, let yourself get lost in the journey and enjoy one of Christopher Nolan’s most beautifully crafted films.

Tales of Annie Bean Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Photos from: Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pic/Melinda Sue Gordon – © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.