Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Nolan’s “The Odyssey” Flops Bechdel Test, Limits Female Agency.

7/21/2026

49 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Christopher Nolan released “The Odyssey,” starring Zendaya and Anne Hathaway.
The film fails the Bechdel test because no two women discuss besides a man, and it limits Athena to a nod to Matt Damon’s Odysseus, goddess little agency.
Penelope tells Telemachus she has “been sitting on the throne 20 years” and warns men will decide her fate.
Nolan cited Emily Wilson’s translation, yet Wilson said adaptation will not be female-centered.

1 of 1

Story summary

Christopher Nolan released “The Odyssey,” starring Zendaya and Anne Hathaway.
The film fails the Bechdel test because no two women discuss besides a man, and it limits Athena to a nod to Matt Damon’s Odysseus, goddess little agency.
Penelope tells Telemachus she has “been sitting on the throne 20 years” and warns men will decide her fate.
Nolan cited Emily Wilson’s translation, yet Wilson said adaptation will not be female-centered.