Odyssey Features Intense Flashing Scene That May Trigger Headaches and Epilepsy Concerns

The Odyssey has finally hit the screens, and it’s shaping up to be a solid adaptation of the classic Greek tale. However, if you or someone you know is sensitive to light or has epilepsy, you might want to brace yourselves for a particular scene that could be tough on the eyes. Early viewers have been vocal about needing to shield their eyes during this moment. We won’t spoil the plot, but let’s dive into the scene in question…

…here we go.

About halfway through The Odyssey, Odysseus (played by Matt Damon) and his crew make a stop on an island where they receive a warning against harming the cattle. Shortly after this segment, there’s a sequence filled with intense lightning flashes, and if you’re sensitive to such visuals, it’s best to look away or cover your eyes during this part.

Without getting into too much detail, when the characters mention the wind changing and prepare to leave the island, expect a barrage of bright, flashing lights. I didn’t notice it during my viewing last night, but my friend who joined me mentioned he had to look away, and it seems he’s not alone in that experience.

This isn’t a spoiler, but if you have epilepsy, be aware that there’s a scene in the film featuring some of the most aggressive screen flashing I’ve encountered. It kicks off after the line, “the wind has dropped, this is our chance!” and lasts for about 60 to 90 seconds.

You’ve been warned ????

— Milo (@MrRoflWaffles) July 16, 2026

“One moment, my eyes just couldn’t take it,” one viewer shared on X. “I was squinting the whole time. I still have a headache, and I left the theater an hour ago.”

“I was honestly shocked there wasn’t a warning at the start of the movie,” another chimed in. “It was so intense.”

Some theaters have begun to post epilepsy warnings, but there certainly wasn’t one at the Alamo Drafthouse screening I attended last night. Hopefully, as more people share their experiences, theaters will start adding these warnings to their signage or as a public service announcement before the film begins.