The first reactions to Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” have hit social media, the reactions coming from a mix of junket press, premiere attendees, some critics and journalists, and the odd influencer.

As a result, the reaction was expected to skew positive, and it has – incredibly so. Responses call it “flawless filmmaking” and a “staggering achievement” with praise all around for the film.

Some welcome reveals from the reaction include how Nolan reportedly doesn’t shy away from some of the horror or supernatural aspects of the story.

Proper reviews aren’t out until next Wednesday, but here’s how people have responded so far, and I’ve tried to stick with critics/journalists where possible in the reactions posted:

“The Odyssey: a surprisingly natural (and less despairing) Oppenheimer follow-up about a man haunted by defying the gods & dooming civilization – this one fights to avenge his own hubris. IMAX obviously immense. too clunky to be S-tier Nolan, but the last act rewards the journey.” – David Ehrlich, Indiewire

“Christopher Nolan’s #TheOdyssey is flawless filmmaking, every inch as epic as you’d expect. Leading a stellar cast, Matt Damon gives Odysseus everything in a career-best powerhouse performance. Robert Pattinson is outstanding as Antinous and John Leguizamo’s Eumaeus is sublime.” – Simon Thompson, Gold Derby

“A triumphant, spectacular epic. The performances are genuinely grand. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema shoots to perfection, and the crafts: costume, sound, editing and Ludwig Goransson’s score are phenomenal artistry and so visceral. The battle scenes, especially at Troy, are breathtaking.” – Jazz Tangcay, Variety

“Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of THE ODYSSEY is as epic as movies get with some of the most breathtaking set pieces he’s ever attempted. A colossal achievement of scale, even by Nolan’s standards. I grew up loving grand, sword and action dramas such as “Gladiator,” “Braveheart,” “The Last Samurai,” and yes, even “Troy.” I’m beyond thrilled to say Nolan’s ambitious dissection of myth and legend looms large over them all.” – Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture

“THE ODYSSEY is monumental. This is Nolan operating on a singular, accelerated level. Its spectacular cast, practical effects and gigantic scale come together to create a spin on Homer’s epic that might surprise people. A beautiful cinematic achievement, and a true masterpiece.” – Erin Mussett, Little White Lies

“THE ODYSSEY is staggering. Earthy, ghostly, weighty, touched by humor and grandeur alike. It’s pure cinema. Obviously the story is about returning home, but in a larger sense, this is also a return home to the robustly entertaining action movies that cinema was invented to tell.” – Joshua Rothkopf, The LA Times

“As someone who has always been obsessed with the ancient world but has never had particularly strong feelings about Christopher Nolan… I am genuinely gobsmacked at how good THE ODYSSEY is. All the supernatural elements were great, surprisingly faithful considering how abstract parts of the story are, but he finds a way to make it work for his style/voice” – Clarissa Loughrey, The Independent

The film tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will.

It includes iconic episodes like his encounters with the Cyclops Polyphemus, the nymph Calypso, the Sirens, the sorceress Circe, and all culminating in his reunion with his wife, Penelope.

Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Elliot Page, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, Jon Bernthal, Mia Goth and Corey Hawkins co-star.

“The Odyssey” will be released in cinemas on July 17th 2026.