The Odyssey

What’s it about?

Following the fall of Troy, Odysseus embarks on a punishing 10-year homecoming journey, encountering mythical monsters, offended gods, and a defiant crew along the way. Meanwhile in Ithaca, his wife and son deal with dishonest suitors, the uncertainty of a leaderless kingdom, and the grief of an assumed dead Odysseus.

The facts

• Written and directed by Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins, Interstellar, Oppenheimer)
• Ensemble cast of well-known actors including Matt Damon (Oppenheimer), Tom Holland (Spider-Man: No Way Home), Anne Hathaway (The Devil Wears Prada 2), and Zendaya (Dune: Part Two)
• English language
• Runtime: 172 minutes
• An adaptation of Homer’s Ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey

Why did it get this rating?

This film was rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

The following information breaks down the film's rating and content warnings. It does not mention any character names or delve into plot points. If necessary, we occasionally include minor spoilers to help keep audiences informed about what they are watching.

Violence

The film contains regular scenes of violence and brutal depictions of war. Armoured men fight each other with swords, bows and other weapons. Loud sound effects, including women’s screams convey impact. Grazes and blood are shown on faces. Impressions of blood splattering are visible in some battle scenes, but the action moves on quickly. Little other injury shown as it is hidden by editing, dusty settings and clothing.

Stronger moments include:

• A giant cyclops eats soldiers. Body parts drop from his lips, and he spits out their armour.
• We see an arrow sticking out of a dead man’s back.
• Warriors are stabbed and shot at with arrows.
• A woman murders her husband – we see a pool of blood around him.
• Defenceless civilians are captured and slain.

Sexual violence references

There are references and descriptions of sexual violence at the fall of Troy, but nothing is shown. A woman living alone fears soldiers.

Content that may disturb

The film contains scary scenes that are often accompanied by jump scares and strong sound effects. Some of the more impactful scenes include:

• A witch force-feeds men using magic then shapes them into pigs with her hands.
• A fatal attack by a six headed snake.
• Men drown in an enclosed space.
• A bewitched character jumps off a ship to their death.
• Imagery of pooling animal blood, offered as a sacrifice. The dead drink the blood.
• There is a reference to a man killing his daughter so the gods will give him a good voyage.

Animal cruelty

Guests kick a very old dog and leave him lying on a dung heap. A puppy is casually thrown off a cliff.

Offensive language

Occasional offensive language includes "f**king", “s**t”, and “bastard”. The language is used to express annoyance or distress.

Helplines:

The sexual violence references could be upsetting for some viewers, especially for those who have gone through similar experiences. If you are struggling with what you have seen on-screen please reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs to talk:

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?