Troy: The Odyssey

Troy: The Odyssey – A Low-Budget Retelling of a Mythic Journey

Troy: The Odyssey, a 2017 film directed by Tekin Girgin and produced by The Asylum, attempts to retell Homer’s legendary epic The Odyssey through a modern, low-budget lens. Known for producing mockbusters and reinterpretations of popular stories, The Asylum’s take on the post-Trojan War journey of Odysseus strays significantly from classical expectations, offering a unique—but heavily stylized and fantastical—version of the ancient myth.

The film begins where the Iliad ends: with the fall of Troy. As the legendary Greek warrior Odysseus begins his long voyage home to Ithaca, he and his crew face a series of mythical challenges, monstrous foes, and divine tests that echo Homer’s original narrative—but with dramatic creative liberties. The central plot revolves around Odysseus' attempt to navigate strange lands and survive otherworldly threats, including giant sea creatures, mysterious witches, and demonic adversaries, all while being haunted by the gods’ vengeance.

Dylan Vox stars as Odysseus, portraying the hero as a determined, battle-hardened leader who must outwit and outfight a series of enemies to reunite with his wife and reclaim his throne. While Vox gives a sincere performance, the limited script and special effects hinder the emotional weight of the character’s journey. The supporting cast includes Lara Heller as Circe, the sorceress who becomes both a threat and a brief ally, and Hachem Hicham as Eurylochus, a loyal crewmember. Their interactions help carry the narrative through its episodic structure.

Visually, Troy: The Odyssey reflects its modest budget. CGI creatures and battle scenes are often rough and unpolished, and many of the set pieces are minimal or reused. Still, there is a campy charm to its execution, especially for audiences familiar with The Asylum’s distinctive style. The film leans heavily into fantasy elements, borrowing loosely from Greek mythology but often taking significant liberties for dramatic effect. This includes the addition of supernatural beings and modern-style sword fights that diverge sharply from historical or mythological accuracy.

While the film does not aim to be an accurate or faithful adaptation of Homer’s epic, it does touch on key themes from the original work—such as perseverance, loyalty, and the pull of home. Odysseus’ longing for his wife and homeland gives the story its emotional anchor, though it is often overshadowed by exaggerated action sequences and monster-of-the-week encounters.

Troy: The Odyssey is best approached with tempered expectations. It is not a scholarly or cinematic masterpiece but rather a creative reinterpretation intended for fans of fantasy and B-movie adventure. Its appeal lies in its willingness to embrace myth with modern flair and a sense of fun, even if it occasionally borders on the absurd. For viewers who enjoy mythological stories told with a pulp-fiction sensibility, this film offers a curious—and sometimes entertaining—take on one of the most enduring tales of Western literature.