Movie adaption of "The Odyssey" sparks discussion

photo by Taylor Donald Freshman Blakely Donald watches "The Odyssey" at Regal Theater

Homer’s classic, “The Odyssey,” has spanned from ancient Greece to modern day classrooms as a famous work of literature. Every year at TKA, ninth grade students are required to read and study Homer’s epic poem. On July 17, 2026, Christopher Nolan’s book to movie adaptation was released in theaters, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus. Nolan had the challenge of impressing movie viewers, as well as trying to make the movie accurate to ancient Greek culture.

“The Odyssey” is an epic poem following the king and hero, Odysseus, and his 10 year journey home from the Trojan War. On his way, he encounters mythical creatures and gods, all while trying to protect the lives of his men. He also has to worry about what the state of his kingdom, Ithaca, will be in once he returns. The movie stays true to the fundamental plot, but fans have noted that Nolan’s adaptation doesn’t fully resemble “The Odyssey” they’ve read about or include some of their favorite and iconic scenes.” Ultimately, the movie leaves viewers with a new interpretation of Odysseus and his story.

“The movie presents Odysseus as a clever strong man who loves his men and family, but loses his memory and thus, his way home,”  Head of the Literature and Composition Department and ninth grade teacher Mrs. Angela Drury said. “In the epic he never loses his memory or his way. Instead, he is fully in charge of his decisions. Also, he is funny in the epic: He actually plays a prank on the cyclops that is not included in the movies.”

The movie gives Odysseus a new essence that differs from the one Homer wrote about. Although the movie made several changes, that hasn’t stopped readers from loving both the book and Nolan’s adaptation.

“My favorite part was when Odysseus strung the bow and shot the arrow through the ax handle sockets,” Mrs. Drury said. “It was just a triumphant moment in the story when there is so much riding on his return to protect his wife and son.”

During the movie adaptation’s opening weekend, the franchise made an estimated $124.5 million in domestic ticket sales, according to CNBC. Nolan’s movie provides a way for readers to see their favorite book come to life on their screen. As a result, his adaption skyrocketed and quickly became one of the top films of this year.

“I’ve seen all the Odyssey adaptations, and I felt that this included more plot elements than the other adaptations,” Mrs. Drury said. “So for this reason, I liked it best.”