Emily Watson

Hammet brings a seductive, enigmatic presence to The Odyssey as Calypso, the immortal figure who shelters—and emotionally imprisons—Odysseus. Theron plays her less as a simple temptress than as someone isolated by eternity, using calm speech and controlled expressions to suggest both power and loneliness. Her performance is strongest in the quieter scenes, where Calypso’s affection becomes possessive and her apparent kindness gradually feels like another form of control. Theron gives the character an alluring stillness, making the island seem beautiful but psychologically claustrophobic. However, the role is relatively underwritten, and Calypso receives far less development than the scale of the story suggests. Much of the character’s mythology is communicated through exposition, leaving Theron limited space to reveal Calypso’s deeper motives. As a result, her performance can feel more like a striking presence than a fully realised dramatic arc. Even so, Theron makes an impression. She gives The Odyssey one of its most atmospheric figures, balancing glamour, menace and melancholy. Her screen time may be limited, but her Calypso adds a haunting emotional dimension to Odysseus’s long journey home.

Hammet brings a seductive, enigmatic presence to The Odyssey as Calypso, the immortal figure who shelters—and emotionally imprisons—Odysseus. Theron plays her less as a simple temptress than as someone isolated by eternity, using calm speech and controlled expressions to suggest both power and loneliness. Her performance is strongest in the quieter scenes, where Calypso’s affection becomes possessive and her apparent kindness gradually feels like another form of control. Theron gives the character an alluring stillness, making the island seem beautiful but psychologically claustrophobic. However, the role is relatively underwritten, and Calypso receives far less development than the scale of the story suggests. Much of the character’s mythology is communicated through exposition, leaving Theron limited space to reveal Calypso’s deeper motives. As a result, her performance can feel more like a striking presence than a fully realised dramatic arc. Even so, Theron makes an impression. She gives The Odyssey one of its most atmospheric figures, balancing glamour, menace and melancholy. Her screen time may be limited, but her Calypso adds a haunting emotional dimension to Odysseus’s long journey home.