Classicist Emily Wilson, whose acclaimed 2017 translation of Homer's Odyssey was cited by Christopher Nolan as an influence on his new film, has published a scathing review of the adaptation in the London Review of Books. She said she "would be ashamed to have written any of this script", calling the narrative structure "gimmicky" and the writing "abysmal", and argued the film lacks psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth despite its spectacle. This stands in sharp contrast to the widespread critical acclaim the film has otherwise received.

Wilson criticised the underdeveloped characters, absent sex scenes and unappetising food, though she acknowledged the film had boosted interest in Homer's original work, including sales of her own translation, and might even help protect university literature departments from cuts. The Odyssey, Nolan's first film since the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, stars Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong'o, and has been praised by outlets including The Telegraph, The Times and the Evening Standard as a landmark cinematic achievement.