The Return

The Return

A Somber, Slow-Burn Deconstruction of Homeric Myth

★★★☆☆

An intellectually earnest wringer that trades mythic poetry for gritty PTSD.

Directed by Uberto Pasolini, The Return is a grounded, psychological retelling of Odysseus’s homecoming. Stripping away the gods and monsters of The Odyssey, the film functions as a serious drama focused on the trauma of war. While it boasts powerhouse performances from Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, its deliberate pace and lack of humor make it a challenging watch for those seeking a traditional epic.

"The Return can be a frustrating watch as it builds at its deliberate pace... It's so dark that some audiences might feel the movie feels pretentious, especially in the first half which is mostly about setting the scene."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Uberto Pasolini
• Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche
• Source Material: Homer's The Odyssey
• Atmosphere: Stark, bleak, and theater-esque

The Vision

There is a palpable earnestness toward the material which is admirable, especially for fans of classic theatre. However, the movie sorely lacks any humor or joy in its exceedingly bleak story. By focusing heavily on the post-war depression and PTSD of Odysseus, Pasolini risks alienating viewers who expect the "colorful poetry" of the original Bard. It is a film that demands patience, as things only begin to ramp up in the second half.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Iconic Reunion: This marks the first time Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche have shared the screen since The English Patient (1996).
• Grounded Myth: Director Pasolini intentionally removed all supernatural elements (gods, sirens, witches) to focus on the human cost of the Trojan War.
• Filming Locations: The production utilized stunning, stark landscapes in Greece to mirror the emotional isolation of the characters.

✅ Pros

• Masterclass acting from Fiennes and Binoche.
• Sincere, respectful approach to classic literature.
• Strong emotional catharsis during the action ramp-up.

❌ Cons

• Frustratingly slow, "deliberate" pacing.
• Lacks narrative balance or any sense of joy.
• Can feel pretentious during the scene-setting first half.

🏆 Final Verdict

A slow burn best suited for literature classrooms rather than a fun night in with friends. Watch it for the performances, but be prepared for the gloom.

View original review on Letterboxd