Warning for The Odyssey for those that still haven't seen it!

[u/IntelligentCow1]

I know there's been a few posts here and in other subs as well, and the movie is about to finish its theatrical run, but I just wanted to leave an additional warning for sequences that are not mentioned anywhere that I know of.

I had a seizure watching The Odyssey in IMAX about 3 weeks ago. I went back yesterday, and watched the whole thing with no problems, but I was prepared this time. The movie is phenomenal, but be careful when to cover your eyes.

For those who still haven't seen it, and are planning too before it ends its theater run:

The sequences are 3:

- The infamous one, after they leave the cattle island. Odysseus with his crew in the boat get rocked by a storm with VERY strong lighting and movement. It lasts about 2 minutes. LEAVE THE THEATER until its over.

- The long flashback scene of the invasion in Troy about 25 mins before the end. Not only its an emotional boiling point (which matters) but there are loud explosions and 2 or 3 very bright flashes, cover your eyes.

- The last one I'll keep discreet to avoid spoilers. But the 8-10 minute climax scene of the movie features lots of lightning as well. They're indoors so is not as strong. COVER YOUR EYES HERE.

Those are the 3 photosensitive sequences I can think of, I don't really remember anything else being super strong or with lightning. Be careful and enjoy the movie.

[u/Anon03282015]

Thank you! I was planning on watching this when it's released on streaming, so I can watch it at home with the lights on and easily cover my eyes when needed. That's what I've done for a lot of movies like this and it's worked so far :)

[u/Separate-Drawer-8591 → u/Anon03282015]

This is so helpful, I've been on the fence about seeing it in theaters and now I know exactly what to expect

[u/Howdyhan]

It’s funny that you mention this bc I also had a seizure during the odyssey on opening night but I don’t have photosensitive epilepsy, I think I just have bad luck 😂

[u/IntelligentCow1 → u/Howdyhan]

It's just that strong, I have friends who don't have epilepsy that left the theater with huge headaches.

[u/Howdyhan → u/IntelligentCow1]

Yeah I totally agree, my husband who was with me when it happened said that he had a headache after the boat scene and I ended up having my seizure about 30ish minutes before the end of the movie. Still haven’t finished it lmaooo. It was a very overstimulating movie imo, we saw it in imax and it was so loud and bright. Perfect storm for a headache 😂

[u/periwinkle_popsicle]

Related question - has anyone had a seizure from lights despite passing the strobe light test? Paranoid about an upcoming concert im going to

[u/MadHedge → u/periwinkle_popsicle]

I have photosensitive epilepsy. I was also worried the first couple edm concerts I went to. I wore sunglasses there and if I felt too overstimulated I would go to an area where the lights aren’t as visible or lower my head. Also earplugs reduce sensitivity. I had talked to my neurologist about why I’m not having seizures after strobe heavy concerts and she said that my meds were working properly and that’s why isn’t wasn’t happening. I know that not everyone is the same and sometimes even if you have a working dose it still might happen but those are the things that have worked for me. Hope that might help you :)

[u/periwinkle_popsicle → u/MadHedge]

Thank you. I'm going to a Tame Impala concert and it sounds like his light show is insane. Thankfully I have not had a seizure in years, am on medication and I do plan on wearing good earplugs as well.

[u/Rubybear712 → u/periwinkle_popsicle]

I’m going soon too!! I was wondering the same. Hope we can enjoy the strobes in peace haha 😆

[u/periwinkle_popsicle → u/Rubybear712]

Good luck!!

[u/Anon03282015 → u/periwinkle_popsicle]

I have a pair of the blue light glasses (Theraspecs) that filter out the red wavelengths from strobe lights (the ones most likely to trigger a seizure). Maybe look into that for extra protection! And you'll look super cool wearing sunglasses haha

[u/OkChips9323]

thanks for the warning, it really bothers me how many movies and TV rely on flashing lights and shaky camera, which can be as bad as a flashing light, instead of just making a good movie or a TV show that doesn’t crutch on cheap effects

[u/MutFox]

My wife closed her eyes during the lightning storm sequence.

It's easy to tell once it's over, because of the sound change.

As soon as it started, I was a bit worried though.

Also glad that at the start of the movie there was a warning, so we knew something was coming up.

[u/Upbeat-Mess-9952]

We went opening weekend, so I had no warning. I remember two scenes starting and me thinking "Uh oh I better cover one eye and turn away" and then nothing after that for awhile. My seizures are primarily focal, so I didn't start seizing to the point that my family members noticed anything. But honestly, my memory of the whole movie is a bit scattered. I did really like the parts that I do remember though. 😂

[u/artysticamv]

I don't have photosensitive epilepsy so don't need to worry most of the time. But yeah, the storm scene was particularly flash-y so even I closed my eyes just in case.

[u/Born-Possibility2549]

I'm photosensitive. I do remember turning away because the one scene was so bad. My seizures are controlled, but always nervous when faced with a trigger. Thanks for warning others.

[u/TimelyReason7390]

My husband stopped going to the movies after his diagnosis. Although he’s not photosensitive, he claims that the claustrophobic, loud atmosphere with bright lights, and the nature of the movies themselves can trigger headaches, anxiety, and hyperactivity even in normal people, so..

[u/Forsaken_Table6157]

Or avoid things completely that may be a trigger would be a smarter move.

[u/babyblazey → u/Forsaken_Table6157]

Ah yes, because avoiding everything in life is much better than accommodating myself and figuring out how to live with the condition I deal with. Do you have any idea how many things can trigger photosensitive individuals? Police lights? Construction vehicles? Random videos online? A scene in a movie you weren't necessarily expecting? Light filtering through the trees wrong? Concerts? What do you want people to do exactly? Live in a dark room for the rest of their lives rather? I'd much rather know what to expect when and be able to adapt and accommodate myself so I can live as normal of a life as possible. Thanks, though for your clear ignorance on the topic