Last Updated on November 30, 2024 by Stephinie Heitman
The Return is a 2024 Historical Movie directed by Uberto Pasolini and written by Edward Bond, John Collee, and Homer. The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, and Charlie Plummer with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes, and will be released on December 6, 2024.
From ancient times to the present, people have been inspired by the character of Odysseus portrayed in the epic – Homer’s The Odyssey. Movies and books often focus on the most thrilling parts of his life: the Trojan War, the famous ‘Trojan horse’, and his unbelievable journey wherein he encounters freaks such as the Cyclops and Sirens. While The Return can be regarded as a ‘post-apocalyptic music video,’ Uberto Pasolini’s film could not be more different. Unlike other Troy films that depict a young, strong, and triumphant hero, this movie tells the story of a man who, despite all the adversities life has offered him, has to fight for the right to live his life and regain his identity.
This decision adds a layer of emotional perception to the story. It voids the expectations of a flawless hero performing implausible tasks. It is not a story about a bad man with an impending death sentence for a crime; it is about a bad old man who has to face past and consequences before dying for the sake of his family and people. This human emphasis sets The Return apart as a compelling, emotionally resonant retelling of the familiar story.
What Is ‘The Return’ About?
The movie begins in a strikingly vulnerable way: Odysseus awoke on a deserted shore, with the sea’s waters having been kind enough to leave him there. He is naked and unconscious, beaten and bleeding, a far cry from the proud warrior and king we usually associate with the role. He appears to be so demoralized and helpless, sprawled on the ground as the sun beats down on him mercilessly. This is not the return of some victorious warrior or superhero. It is the story of a man who comes back disappointed, empty-handed, and who has been deprived of his power and character.
He is found by a local slave farmer who takes the time to bring him back to good health. One of them stays with Odysseus to take care of his wounds and reveals to him all that has occurred in Ithaca during his long absence. As the antagonist of the story stated, the island is now a mess because it does not have a king anymore. Rogues, those called the suitors, have seized the palace. They are vying for the right to wed Queen Penelope and assume the kingship due to the lack of Odysseus’ presence after so many years.
Thus, the movie creates a profoundly individual and socio-aware narrative. Odysseus is not just going home to be with his wife Penelope and reclaim his kingdom; he is going to a kingdom in disarray that needs the king to bring order.
Ralph Fiennes does a fantastic job portraying the character of Odysseus. He portrays the tired body and burdened soul of a man who has been through too much. Thus, in Fiennes’ film, we get to see another type of heroism — one of grit and tenacity without the aid of superhuman strength. His face, worn and aged, speaks of a man tormented by his loss yet who continues to cling to survival.
Equally captivating is Juliette Binoche as Penelope; she can go unnoticed or become a mere decoration in the majority of adaptations of this narrative. Here, Penelope is a fully realized person, assertive and shrewd. Binoche does a splendid job portraying her; her facial expressions and slight movements show her frustration, determination, and hope. Not only is Penelope waiting for Odysseus to return, she is her own woman, struggling to maintain her chastity and the honor of her household against the advances of the greedy suitors.
Another layer to contend with is their son, Telemachus, portrayed by Charlie Plummer, who presents his own set of challenges.
In the beginning, he is portrayed as a rude and selfish young man, who is angry due to his father’s absence. But, if we consider the development of the characters throughout the film, the viewers watch him becoming a man and assuming the role of the head of the brood, rising that means understanding the responsibilities of this position. His relationship with his parents changes, mirroring the generational conflicts and closeness of growing up that strengthens the plot.
The screenplay has been developed by John Collee along with Edward Bond and Uberto Pasolini and it goes beyond merely translating Homer’s epic. It reinvents it by mixing the features of the classic narrative with the contemporary concepts of the family, betrayal, and the search for one’s self. While the story stays rooted in its ancient setting, its themes feel strikingly relevant to today’s world.
For instance, the rivals for Penelope’s hand are not merely enemies to Odysseus: they are also greedy, corrupt, and leaders devoid of governance in his absence. The movie also raises the question of how myths are created and how they evolve. There are no epic animated scenes that depict legends of Odysseus and thus, the scenes do not reflect his great and legendary adventures. Instead, they are referred to by other characters in the texts, though sometimes skeptically or in a manner that inspires wonder in the audience, making the audience doubt the veracity of the tales.
In terms of graphical representation, the movie is splendid. Ithaca is a beautiful island bathed in sunlight; however, at the same time, it is a dark and difficult place for its residents. The rocks, sandy areas, and crevices give it a real-life look, and yet, at the same time, they make you feel as if you are watching something out of a fairy tale. These locations are shot sharply by the director of photography Marius Paduru ensuring that every frame is aesthetically pleasing.
The acting is also understated yet profound. One of the most dramatic situations in the play illustrates the meeting of Odysseus and Penelope for the first time in years while he is in a beggar’s disguise. Engaging in a dance-like mystery, they revolve around each other with eyes and body language filled with conflict and feeling. It is one of those films where even the most minimal movements are perfectly executed and charged with meaning.
Another outstanding feature of the film is that it effectively creates tension. The tension begins the moment Odysseus returns to Ithaca and it can be felt throughout the Odyssey as though it is a string that is pulled back too far and is now ready to break. This conflict intensifies as Odysseus watches the turmoil in his home, biding his time to strike.
But when the sudden confusion and violence start in the film, the effects are staggering. This sense of restraint used earlier in the film makes these sequences feel well-earned, although not gratuitous.
One of the well-developed aspects of the movie is the thought-provoking portrayal of heroism. It challenges the audience to view him as an ordinary man by basing the play on ‘340 lies’ that are shortened to the simplest human level. This makes his journey more relatable, even though it’s set in a mythical past.
Why The Return Is Worth Watching
All in all, The Return is not just an adaptation of The Odyssey or simply a continuation of recent mythological miniseries. This is a very moving and powerful representation of human society and it addresses such meaningful issues as grief, personal strength, and the hopeless attempt at regaining one’s identity. That is why, by portraying Odysseus as an ordinary man rather than a legendary hero, the film brings something new to a story that has been told for millennia.
Thanks to the impressive acting of Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, beautiful visuals, and an engaging script, The Return demonstrates that even the most ancient myths are intriguing. If you are a fan of Greek mythology or simply an admirer of strong, actor-oriented dramas, then this film is definitely for you.
The Return 2024 Parents Guide Age Rating
The Return is rated PG by the Motion Picture Rating (MPA) for violence, some sexual content, graphic nudity, and language.
The Return MOVIE PLOT FULL SUMMARY and parents’ guide will be updated closer to the release date (December 6, 2024.), so check back.
