Early reactions are building up the hype for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, as journalists and other guests from the first screenings across the world share their initial thoughts on the adaptation of the legendary Greek epic. One of the chosen few who got to see The Odyssey is veteran Filipino actor Jericho Rosales.

The actor got to attend the red carpet premiere of The Odyssey in Mumbai, India, last July 11, and interact with director Christopher Nolan, as well as fellow actors Matt Damon and Tom Holland. In his video recounting his experience, Rosales says that watching the film will make audiences “feel like you’re part of the adventure. You’re part of the journey home.” He also is excited to watch the film once more with friends and family in IMAX. The Odyssey will be the only film shown in IMAX for the first three weeks of its Philippine release on July 15. Rosales also shared some shots from his red carpet experience, and his moment as he got an autograph from Damon, who plays the role of Odysseus in the film.

Watch the final trailer for The Odyssey: 

Other early reactions come from outlets such as The Independent who writes, ““Nolan’s biggest film to date. This film has about triple the number of huge set pieces than any of Nolan’s previous films, and every single one of them is breathtaking in their own way. In The Odyssey, Nolan showcases visual trickery in a way you’ve never seen a few before. The only criticism I have, and it’s a good problem, is … you’re often left wanting more of each set piece, and it certainly goes your way into height of the re-watchability factor of the film. I also can’t quite remember a film having such a stacked cast, where everyone delivers. Special shouts out to Tom Holland in his best role to date with Telemachus, Himesh Patel … and Samantha Morton who damn well steals the show with the few scenes she’s in.”

Variety also praises the film and the performance of the actors, writing, “I have seen Christopher Nolan’s #TheOdyssey, and it is an astonishing achievement. A triumphant, spectacular epic. The performances from Tom Holland, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, John Leguizamo, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong’o are genuinely grand. And for some, truly, the best performances of their career! … Christopher Nolan is a visionary, and #TheOdyssey is a work of art … The battle scenes, especially at Troy, are breathtaking. It’s an incredible epic.””

DigitalSpy takes note of the epic production scale of The Odyssey, writing, “The Odyssey is staggering. Packed with intense and spectacular set pieces, often backed by a soul-rattling score, it builds to a final act that’s as good as anything Nolan’s done. Purists might baulk at the adaptation changes, but as an experience, nobody is doing it like Nolan.”

The Odyssey tells the mythical tale of Odysseus’s journey home to Ithaca, after his successful gambit in the Trojan War. Back home, his wife Penelope fends off predatory suitors. She is joined by their son Telemachus, as they both wait for news of Odysseus’ return.

The epic tale begins as The Odyssey arrives on July 15. Head to your local cinema or visit their ticketing sites to reserve your seats now. Check out Universal Pictures PH (FB), UniversalPicturesPH (IG), and UniversalPicsPH (TikTok) for the latest news and updates.