The 2023 film is widely considered to be one of the best films of the 2020s to date
Irish actor Cillian Murphy(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
A ‘masterpiece’ Cillian Murphy drama is now streaming on BBC, but fans have just weeks to watch it before it disappears.
The film world is all waiting for Christpoher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey to arrive following months of anticipation. It arrives in cinemas around the world on Friday (July 15) and is expected to be one of the films of the year.
Starring Matt Damon, the film follows King Odysseus as sets sail for Ithaca, eager to reunite with his beloved. However, his journey home is far more treacherous than the battlefield, as he must face deadly monsters and vengeful gods to survive.
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A host of Nolan’s most popular collaborators are taking part in the project, including Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Himesh Patel. The latter rose to fame for his early work in the BBC soap EastEnders.
One person who Nolan has worked with more than anyone is Irish actor Cillian Murphy. The pair joined forces on The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception and Dunkirk.
The pair’s crowning achievement is undoubtedly their work together on Oppenheimer. For those who haven’t seen it, you can now watch it on the BBC iPlayer for free if you have a TV licence.
Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy has stated that he will not be playing Lord Voldemort in the upcoming Harry Potter reboot drama. (Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
Released in 2023, the film stars as J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American theoretical physicist who helped develop the first nuclear weapons during World War II. Simply put, it’s essential cinema for any movie fan even if you’re not normally into historical dramas.
Appearing in the ensemble cast is Robert Downey Jr. as the United States Atomic Energy Commission member Lewis Strauss. It marked a huge change for the actor who had spent years playing Iron Man in the Marvel cinematic universe.
Filling out the rest of the supporting cast is The Devil Wear’s Devil Emily Blunt, The Bourne Identity’s Damon, Midsommar’s Florence Pugh, Trap’s Josh Hartnett, Manchester by the Sea’s Casey Affleck, Bohemian Rhapsody’s Rami Malek and Murder on the Orient Express’ Kenneth Branagh.
Released on the same day as Barnie, the ‘Barbenheimer’ phenomenon took over the world, with millions seeing both on the same day. Grossing $976 million worldwide, it was the highest-grossing biographical film of all time until being overtaken by Michael earlier this year.
Receiving seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Nolan), Best Actor (Murphy), and Best Supporting Actor (Downey), it has a staggering score of 98% on the film review site Rotten Tomatoes.
Its critical consensus reads: “Oppenheimer marks another engrossing achievement from Christopher Nolan that benefits from Murphy’s tour-de-force performance and stunning visuals.”
While it’s never a bad time to watch Oppenheimer, now is the perfect time to do it as the world once again becomes consumed by Nolan fever. Be warned it’s only on the BBC iPlayer until Tuesday, August 11.