Christopher Nolan reflected on one actor’s performance in The Odyssey that earned a round of applause from his crew. That performer was Samantha Morton.

Morton, who plays the goddess Circe, gave a stunning performance in a brief screen time, which earned her cheers from the set. A momentous event that happened in 20 years.

During his recent interview with the L.A. Times, Nolan said, “This was a massive film and she is someone who comes in and changes the dynamic.”

“In some weird way, the film lived or died over that character. She was the fulcrum. I’ve always admired Samantha’s work, she brings so much depth of thinking about her role, there are no limitations on her performance,” he continued.

Nolan recalled, “After one of her takes, the crew gave her a great round of applause.”

The Oscar-winning director added that later that happened, he was talking with Emma Thomas, his wife and producing partner.

“She remembered that the last time that had happened was with Heath Ledger on The Dark Knight,” Nolan said.

Early reactions from critics have also singled out Morton for praise, with The Independent calling her the film's standout despite her limited screen time, writing that she "damn well steals the show with the few scenes she's in." 

The Odyssey follows Odysseus' epic journey home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), and son, Telemachus (Tom Holland). 

Shot entirely in the IMAX format, the 2-hour, 53-minute film opens in cinemas on July 17.