Los Angeles: The first reactions to Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey are in, with critics hailing the adaptation of Homer's epic as a ‘staggering achievement’, ‘spectacular epic’ and a triumph of filmmaking.

The film was recently screened for members of the film press ahead of its worldwide release on July 17, and early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.

Nolan is also set to visit India this weekend for the film's premiere along with lead actor Matt Damon.

Critics hail Nolan's latest film

Film journalist Simon Thompson described the film as 'flawless filmmaking' and praised Matt Damon for delivering a career-best performance.

'Leading a stellar cast, Matt Damon gives Odysseus everything in a career-best powerhouse performance,' Thompson wrote, while also praising Robert Pattinson and John Leguizamo.

Variety's Jazz Tangcay called the film an 'astonishing achievement' and a 'triumphant, spectacular epic.'

The publication's awards editor Clayton Davis praised both Damon and Holland, saying Damon leads with grit while Holland brings 'sensitivity and heart,' adding that the film is 'another hit for Nolan.'

Meanwhile, Fandango's Erik Davis singled out Robert Pattinson's performance, calling him 'conniving, manipulative and endlessly entertaining. Pattinson leans all the way into the character's villainy, and it results in one of my favorite performances of his.' 

He described The Odyssey as 'an absolute triumph and a crowning cinematic achievement from one of the great filmmakers of our time.'

Matt Damon, Tom Holland lead star-studded cast

Matt Damon plays the legendary Greek hero Odysseus, while Tom Holland stars as his son Telemachus. The film marks the first narrative feature shot entirely on IMAX cameras.

The cast also includes Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Odysseus' wife, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, John Leguizamo, Elliot Page and Jon Bernthal.

The story follows Odysseus' perilous journey home after the Trojan War, while Penelope waits for his return.

Produced by Universal Pictures, The Odyssey is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on July 17.