Evan X. Merz

Is The Odyssey, by Christopher Nolan, the best movie ever made? I'm not sure, but I think it belongs in that conversation.

It succeeds on every level. The writing is impeccable. The story is satisfying and rich (it's almost like it has been refined for thousands of years). The world feels real and lived in. All the characters, even small ones like Helen of Troy, have meaningful character arcs. The themes are deep and reveal powerful truths about human nature.

It succeeds in every possible genre you could put it into. As an action, adventure, or war movie, it is possibly the best ever made. It then somehow succeeds simultaneously as both a horror movie and a love story. It is successful as a monster movie and a coming of age tale.

It succeeds in every craft involved in modern cinema. The acting is inspired. The cinematography is literally breathtaking. The sound effects and mixing will punch you in the gut. Repeatedly. The special effects are top notch.

I've seen some complaints about the costumes. They seem to revolve around "historical accuracy" and Agamemnon's costume looking plasticky. As a viewer, you need to keep in mind that this isn't a tale from history, it's historical fiction. It's a fantasy movie, with magic, gods, and monsters. It has more in common with Game of Thrones than with Gettysburg. Yes, this is visible in the costumes.

I also see some complaints about the acting in spots, but I can't relate to those complaints at all. The acting seems entirely appropriate within the context of the film, and I think even includes some best-of-career performances by the top cast.

I just saw it two nights in a row, and I'd watch it a third time if a friend asked.

Ignore the trailers; they show nothing that matters to the movie. Ignore the fake controversies.

Just go see it, and prepare for a ride.