Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Achieves Metacritic Score Second Only to ‘Dunkirk’

Christopher Nolan has spent decades establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most meticulous filmmakers, and his latest project might be his boldest yet. Following the seven Oscar wins for ‘Oppenheimer,’ fans were eager to see how the director would elevate his craft.

His answer comes in the form of Homer’s ancient epic poem, reimagined for the IMAX screen with a star-studded cast. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, who battles to return home after the Trojan War, joined by Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope and Tom Holland as their son Telemachus.

As reviews pour in, the numbers reveal a remarkable achievement. ‘The Odyssey’ has secured a Metascore of 91 on Metacritic, making it the second-highest rated film of Nolan’s illustrious career, just behind 2017’s ‘Dunkirk,’ which holds a score of 94.

This places the grand mythological epic above even ‘Oppenheimer,’ which has a score of 90, and far ahead of beloved favorites like ‘The Dark Knight,’ which sits at 85. For a filmmaker known for creating some of the most celebrated blockbusters over the past two decades, this is an extraordinary accomplishment.

The critical consensus supports these impressive numbers. Critics have praised the film’s scale and ambition, highlighting its use of practical effects and real-world locations across Italy, Iceland, Greece, Morocco, and Scotland as standout features.

Rotten Tomatoes reflects similar enthusiasm, with early tallies indicating the film is achieving rare acclaim for the director. Reviewers consistently note the sheer physical scope of the production, emphasizing that ‘The Odyssey’ was filmed entirely using IMAX 70mm cameras, giving it a unique texture even within Nolan’s own filmography.

Damon’s transformation into Odysseus has been a hot topic leading up to the film’s release. The actor adhered to a strict diet and training regimen to prepare for the role, opting to grow a full beard over the course of a year instead of using prosthetics.

Alongside Damon, Hathaway and Holland, the ensemble cast features Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong’o, and Jon Bernthal, among others. Many of these actors are collaborating with Nolan for the first time, while others like Pattinson and Hathaway return from previous films in his repertoire.

Reflecting on what drew him to the story, Damon expressed initial intimidation upon reading the script but ultimately embraced the challenge. He described his role as focusing on his part within a much larger narrative, explaining to Rotten Tomatoes that in such a vast production, he was just one of many moving pieces.

That sense of scale seems to resonate with critics. Many reviews have labeled the film as arguably Nolan’s most awe-inspiring work since ‘Dunkirk,’ praising both its visual ambition and its ability to balance intimate character moments against a grand backdrop.

A Metascore of 91 is not just a strong number; it firmly places ‘The Odyssey’ among the most acclaimed films of Nolan’s career. Only ‘Dunkirk’ ranks higher, with both films now surpassing awards heavyweights like ‘Oppenheimer’ and cult classics like ‘The Dark Knight.’

For a director known for his ambitious, large-scale filmmaking, this level of critical reception suggests ‘The Odyssey’ is not merely another entry in his filmography. It may well be remembered as one of the defining achievements of his career.

With the film now screening in theaters, audiences will soon have the opportunity to share their thoughts alongside the critics. What do you think about ‘The Odyssey’ achieving such a high ranking in Nolan’s legacy? Let us know in the comments.