Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Impressive take on ancient epic has intense violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Odyssey
What's the Story?
In THE ODYSSEY, it's been 20 years since King Odysseus (Matt Damon) left Ithaca and his family—wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland)—to join the fight against Troy. He's presumed dead by all but the queen and prince, and suitors for Penelope's hand have gathered in the castle, taking advantage of Zeus' law as it relates to hospitality. As time passes, they get increasingly restless and demanding, posing a threat to Telemachus' life and Penelope's agency. But Odysseus is alive, albeit suffering from amnesia, and living with the goddess Calypso (Charlize Theron), who helps him remember the tragic, terrifying events that occurred in the years before he washed up unconscious on her island—and realize that he must finish his travels home.
Is It Any Good?
It's never a bad thing when required reading is brought to the screen with skill and panache, and Nolan's epic is close to pupil-engaging perfection. In other words, you can expect teens to line up around the block for The Odyssey— or, down the line, eagerly await "movie day" in English lit. But, as is often the case with adaptations, key changes can tank test scores if the source material isn't also taken into consideration. Here, that's the result of Nolan's effort to make all of the characters' choices more nuanced, psychologically sound, and relatable.
Odysseus is a man of integrity, and yet in this telling of his story, the sharp strategic intellect that makes him formidable in war also compromises his soul. He (and hopefully viewers) realizes that victory is fleeting, but a tear in the moral fabric of society can unravel the very threads that hold civilization together. Nolan unspools Homer's classic tale to show that Odysseus' greatest mistakes come from the imperious hubris that costs his men dearly and leaves him haunted by the consequences of his choices. Through exceptional performances, imaginative effects, and an engrossing story wound tighter than the grip of a Cyclops, this ancient poem is likely to become a favorite with today's teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Homer's original poem The Odyssey and why different interpretations were inevitable. In what ways do you think filmmaker Christopher Nolan makes this version real or understandable? What changes did he make in adapting it, and why do you think those choices were made?
What is a "hero's journey" and how does that concept relate to The Odyssey? Why is it a frequently used storytelling structure, and what are the components?
Talk about the film's violence: What was scary, and what felt realistic? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence? Or is there any messaging in the film that counters the glorification of violence?
Does The Odyssey perpetuate any gender stereotypes or offer a more nuanced and layered depiction than what was on the page? Is the cast more diverse than usual for movies of this sort? Why does that matter?
How do characters repeatedly demonstrate the value of self-control in achieving their goals? Which characters demonstrate courage, perseverance, integrity, teamwork, and humility? Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've used any of these in real life?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 17, 2026
- Cast : Matt Damon , Tom Holland , Anne Hathaway , Mia Goth , Robert Pattinson
- Director : Christopher Nolan
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Book Characters , Adventures , Family Stories ( Dads )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Run time : 172 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some language
- Last updated : July 17, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate