Watching Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX at BFI Waterloo

Usually, on the blog, we dig deep into Japanese cinema, classic dramas, and streaming highlights like Netflix's Human Vapor. But every once in a while, a cinematic event comes along that demands a detour.

Taking a day off on a random Wednesday morning, I headed down to the Mecca of UK cinema—the BFI IMAX in Waterloo—for a 9:00 AM screening of Christopher Nolan’s epic, The Odyssey, presented in glorious 70mm film.

Here is a recap of the experience and why this film is absolute must-watch event cinema.

The Venue: BFI IMAX Waterloo

If you’re a film lover in London, the BFI IMAX needs no introduction. Housing one of the largest screens in the UK, it is one of only around 40 venues worldwide capable of projecting The Odyssey in true 70mm IMAX format.

Arriving at 8:30 AM ahead of the 8:45 AM doors open, the atmosphere outside was already buzzing with fellow film enthusiasts ready to sit through Nolan’s three-hour spectacle. There's a distinct ritual to going to the BFI IMAX for a major release, and even at 9:00 in the morning, the energy in the auditorium was electric.

First Impressions & Key Highlights

While a massive three-hour film warrants a deep breakdown, here are the main takeaways from the viewing:

Pure Scale and Visuals: Watching The Odyssey on 70mm film is nothing short of incredible. The sheer scope, image depth, and texture of the format elevate every frame. It makes you realize how rare true "event cinema" is these days.

The Cyclops Scene: One of the early standout sequences involves the Cyclops, and it completely sets the tone for the rest of the picture. The tension and scale in this scene make a compelling case for why Christopher Nolan could easily execute a full-scale horror film.

Standout Performances: The cast delivers across the board. In particular, Tom Holland turns in a great performance that grounded his character far better than some early chatter might have suggested.

Is It Worth the IMAX Trip?

Without a doubt. The Odyssey is designed from the ground up to be experienced on the biggest, loudest screen possible. Going out of your way to see it in a venue like BFI Waterloo turns a movie into a genuine experience—one of those rare theatrical moments that stays with you long after the credits roll.

I'm definitely planning a second viewing at a standard cinema down the line just to see how the experience compares, but if you have access to an IMAX or 70mm theater, do not hesitate to book a ticket.

Have you had the chance to see The Odyssey yet? Did you catch it in IMAX or standard format? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!