Samantha Morton's performance as Circe in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is being hailed as the film's unsung hero, with critics praising the actress for her portrayal of the witch.
While lead stars Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland and Zendaya have received acclaim, it is Morton's portrayal of Circe that has left a lasting impression. Zendaya previously said in an interview that Morton's performance stood out to her the most.
In the film, Odysseus and his men are trying to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. They land on an island where they encounter Circe, who initially appears terrified but ultimately transforms the soldiers into pigs using a practical effect. The scene was achieved without CGI, as Tom Holland explained: 'When they turn the people into pigs, that's all real. It's all animatronics. It's an animatronic head and she pulls their jaws apart. That's real.' Anne Hathaway added: 'That's not CGI. That is a practical effect. They worked with an artist to create something that Samantha could sculpt with live on camera.'
Horrifying Depiction
The author described watching the scene with her parents, noting that her mother lifted her hands to block the disturbing view. 'When you're watching something horrific in a cinema, there's only so many times that you can tell yourself that it's make-believe. Sometimes, it's done in a way that's so disturbing that your brain can't fathom that it isn't real,' she wrote.
Nolan's Praise
Christopher Nolan revealed that he has only witnessed crew applause for an actor twice in his career: once for Heath Ledger as the Joker, and the second for Samantha Morton during filming of The Odyssey.
After Circe turns the men into pigs, Odysseus confronts her. She reveals that his men would have raped and killed her, and that she simply revealed their true nature. She eventually turns them back, whispering that it is time for them to revert to their 'disguises'. The scene forces Odysseus to confront the reality of his men's actions during the sacking of Troy.
Viewers on social media have also praised Morton. User Sara wrote: 'So happy one of the best actresses of her generation is having the attention, recognition and respect she deserves. Samantha Morton. And that scene is so powerful and actual.'
The performance has led to calls for an Oscar nomination for Morton. 'Next stop – Oscar,' the article concludes. The Odyssey is now playing in cinemas.
