Recently, my colleague Trent Horn released a video explaining why he won’t be watching Christopher Nolan’s rendition of The Odyssey. He argues Christians should avoid watching the film due to its “normalization of transgenderism” through its casting of a transgender individual, “Elliot” or Ellen Page.
Normally, I would agree—casting a woman with gender dysphoria as a male soldier would be a hard pass for me, as it’s more than likely an attempt to normalize the transgender movement. In Nolan’s movie, however, I would argue this is not the case, and I think a great deal of good can come, and already has come, from people watching the film.
Reason One: The Character Arc & Analogy
The character Page plays, Sinon, is not some heroic soldier to be lauded and idolized alongside Achilles. Instead, Sinon is portrayed as a young boy drafted into war after being coerced into taking someone else’s place. Even more unfortunately, Sinon’s role in the war is built on deception and lies: the character is unknowingly sent on a suicide mission that ends in death and a descent into Hades.
In many ways, Sinon’s story serves as a fitting analogy for the tragic reality we see in someone like Ellen Page. Both Sinon and Page are fed a lie that ultimately leads to their destruction—this in no way glorifies the transgender movement. In fact, it reveals the ugly truth behind it.
Thus, Christopher Nolan cannot be accused of driving an ideological agenda. He doesn’t present Page’s character as though transgenderism were just another norm in the story, as many other Hollywood movies do. Sinon is not a hero to be admired. Instead, Nolan evokes a sense of pity among the audience for Sinon and, inevitably, for Page as well.
Reason Two: An Entry Point to Greek Mythology
For those who were never exposed to Greek mythology, or who, like me, refused to engage with “boring” books in high school, a film like this can serve as a spark that ignites an interest in classic literature for the first time.
I’ll admit that after watching The Odyssey, I went straight down a rabbit hole searching for the source material and other ancient texts associated with it. I’m gaining a fuller appreciation for classic works simply by watching a film—a film that, yes, may have taken significant creative liberties, especially with the casting, but remains a source of inspiration nonetheless.
And I am not the only one. Odyssey book sales are up seventy-six percent, and e-book and audiobook versions of the text are skyrocketing in usage as well.
Granted, when Helen of Troy looks nothing like the ancient Greek ideal of beauty, it can temporarily take you out of the story. And Agamemnon having an eerily Batman-like presence certainly stands out! But regardless of those choices, the movie did exactly what it was supposed to do:
- It pulled me into the epic.
- It made me want to learn more about these characters and the journeys they endured.
- It helped me appreciate a staple of Western literature.
So, while I would normally side with Trent’s perspective on these issues, I have to give credit where it’s due: the film succeeded in many areas, particularly in sparking a genuine interest in and appreciation for classic literature.
All in all, I would recommend watching The Odyssey. Always be aware, with a sober mind, of what you’re watching. But for reasons already stated, I’d say go enjoy the film.