Overview
One of the must-see movies of the year is Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey, an ancient Greek epic poem about one king’s journey home after the Trojan War. With a big-name director, a well-known historical text, and a stellar cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson, it’s no surprise this film has been one of the most anticipated releases of the summer.
But is it safe for kids? The short answer is no — it’s rated R for violence and some language. Still, you might have a Greek mythology fan at home and be wondering if this one’s worth making an exception for.
Harmful Content ❗️
Parents should know that The Odyssey deals heavily with themes surrounding war, death, and loss. There are some intense scenes of peril, hopelessness, and suffering. There’s also a bizarre scene of a witch who feeds the soldiers a strange meat that turns them into animals. The scene is disturbing (as intended) and might be too much for young or sensitive viewers.
Much of the movie centers on King Odysseus’s internal struggle as he leads his men through war and on the journey home. It also discusses the political landscape of Ithaca (the region Odysseus rules over). Some of these plot points may not be necessarily inappropriate, but just difficult for younger viewers to understand and follow along with.
Language
There is profanity in this movie, including words such as “bastard,” “sh*t,” and F bombs.
Sex
There are no sex scenes or sexually graphic content. There’s romance and characters kissing each other, including a scene of two characters kissing in bed. There is one scene in which a man’s bare buttocks are seen. Otherwise, sex and romance are minimal.
Violence
The violence in this movie is likely where parents will have the most concern. In fact, the first scene of the movie shows a young soldier being killed by a spear. There is frequent fighting throughout the whole story. Characters fight with swords, spears, bows and arrows, axes, and more. Characters are killed in some brutal ways, including drowning and being eaten by a giant Greek monster. Death and injury scenes are bloody and gory, though not overly gratuitous as you might expect.
Positive Value 💫
The Odyssey hits heavily on the themes of leadership, sacrifice, and dealing with the consequences of actions. King Odysseus is seen as a great leader and brilliant military strategist. People look to him, but he bears the weight of responsibility for his men, even when they die for the cause. He learns that even in victory, everyone loses something in war, and so much death can lead to the breakdown of society.
The movie also repeatedly references the idea of Zeus’s law, which is the idea of treating others as you’d want to be treated, and valuing hospitality to strangers. Characters discuss honoring the dead and doing something to recognize their sacrifice. Overall, the movie has a lot of depth and explores emotional, psychological, and political struggles of Odysseus and those around him.
So, should my kid watch it?
Given its rating and high level of violent content, we’d say this is best for ages 17 and up. If you and your teen do see it, just be sure to pair it with conversations about what they see, how it makes them feel, and what your own family values.
