Scholar praises renewed interest in Homer but calls screenplay shallow and emotionally unconvincing
LONDON: Classical scholar Emily Wilson has sharply criticised Sir Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, arguing that the filmmaker’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem falls short despite widespread acclaim from critics and strong box office performance.
Wilson, whose 2017 English translation of The Odyssey was cited by Nolan as an influence on the film, published a detailed review in the London Review of Books. She described the screenplay as “abysmal” and said she “would be ashamed” to have written it.
She criticised the film’s narrative structure as “gimmicky” and argued that its characters lacked believable motivations. Wilson also wrote that the production offered little psychological, emotional, political or ethical depth, despite its ambitious scale.
Scholar welcomes renewed interest in classical literature
Despite her criticism, Wilson acknowledged that the film has helped renew public interest in Homer’s work.
She welcomed the surge in demand for translations of The Odyssey, including her own, and suggested the blockbuster could encourage greater appreciation for literature, history and classical studies. Wilson also expressed hope that the renewed attention might discourage universities from reducing language and humanities programmes.
However, she concluded that the three-hour epic prioritised spectacle over meaningful storytelling.
Critics remain overwhelmingly positive
Wilson’s assessment contrasts sharply with the broader critical response. Several major publications have praised the film, with reviewers describing it as one of the year’s standout cinematic achievements and applauding its visual scale and ambition.
The film marks Nolan’s first release since the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer. During the promotional campaign, the director said Wilson’s opening line from her translation — “Tell me about a complicated man” — helped shape his interpretation of Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon.
Released earlier this month, The Odyssey features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o. The film follows Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War as he seeks to reunite with his wife Penelope and their son Telemachus.
