Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- earnest
- majestic
- melancholic
- thoughtful weekend viewing
- nature film night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the biographical drama directionally unfocused and weak in character development, while praising its striking underwater and Antarctic imagery.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Cousteau's fame, infidelity, and professional ambitions repeatedly strain his marriage and relationships with his sons.
Undersea exploration and marine imagery are central to the film's depiction of Cousteau's work and public legacy.
Cousteau's research, filmmaking, and activism bring ocean conservation and public curiosity about the sea into the narrative.
The film covers thirty years, from 1949 to 1979, condensing Cousteau's career, family conflicts, and later grief.
Films like The Odyssey, and why
The Perfect Storm
Shared biographical adventure, ocean exploration, family conflict, and visually spectacular natural environments.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Shared maritime adventure, flawed leadership, environmental scale, and emotionally strained family relationships.
A Beautiful Mind
Shared adventurous biographical storytelling, charismatic but morally compromised protagonist, and sweeping period production design.
Movie Details
- Director
- Jérôme Salle
- Release Date
- 2016-10-12
- Runtime
- 122 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (440)
Cast
- Lambert Wilson
- Pierre Niney
- Audrey Tautou
- Laurent Lucas
- Benjamin Lavernhe
- Vincent Heneine
- Thibault de Montalembert
- Roger Van Hool
- Chloe Hirschman
- Adam Neill
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Odyssey about?
- A sweeping French biographical adventure follows Jacques-Yves Cousteau from celebrated maritime pioneer to a grieving father confronting the personal cost of his ambition.
- What is The Odyssey like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Odyssey as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Odyssey violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Odyssey as mild.
- What did critics think of The Odyssey?
- Critics broadly found the biographical drama directionally unfocused and weak in character development, while praising its striking underwater and Antarctic imagery.
- Which films are like The Odyssey?
- Films with a similar feel include The Perfect Storm, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, and A Beautiful Mind.
- How long is The Odyssey?
- The Odyssey runs 122 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Odyssey?
- In United States, The Odyssey streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
