RETURN (2025) is a dramatic retelling of the final chapters of Homer’s Odyssey, directed by Uberto Pasolini and starring Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus and Juliette Binoche as Penelope. After twenty years away—ten fighting in the Trojan War and ten more lost at sea—Odysseus washes up, battered and unrecognizable, on the shores of his homeland, Ithaca. He returns to find his wife Penelope besieged by suitors vying for her hand and his throne, while their son Telemachus faces mortal danger from those who see him as a threat. Scarred by war and time, Odysseus must confront his own past and rediscover his strength to reclaim his family and kingdom. The film explores themes of identity, trauma, loyalty, and the enduring bonds of family, all set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal loss.
Notable Elements
- Performances: Ralph Fiennes delivers a powerful, nuanced performance as the weary, haunted Odysseus, while Juliette Binoche brings emotional depth to Penelope’s resilience and sorrow. The supporting cast, including Charlie Plummer as Telemachus, adds complexity, though some critics felt the ensemble lacked cohesion and authenticity.
- Cinematography: Marius Panduru’s visuals evoke the bleak, windswept landscapes of Ithaca, enhancing the film’s somber tone. The use of natural lighting and muted palettes underscores the story’s realism and emotional weight.
- Key Scenes: Standout moments include Odysseus’s disguised return to his palace, the tense archery contest with the suitors, and the climactic, brutal confrontation that reclaims his home. The final, intimate reunion between Odysseus and Penelope is both poignant and cathartic.
Themes and Messages
- Homecoming and Identity: The film powerfully explores the psychological scars of war and the struggle to reclaim one’s place after long absence.
- Resilience and Loyalty: Penelope’s steadfastness and Odysseus’s determination highlight enduring love and loyalty in the face of adversity.
- Violence and Forgiveness: The narrative questions the cycle of violence, as Telemachus’s actions in the climax provoke reflection on vengeance and the possibility of peace.
- Memory and Healing: The closing scenes underscore the importance of remembering and confronting the past as a path to healing and renewal.
Personal Impressions
RETURN stands out for its grounded, human approach to myth, focusing on emotional realism over epic spectacle. Fiennes’s performance is a highlight, capturing Odysseus’s vulnerability and strength. While the film’s pacing is measured and some supporting performances uneven, its commitment to character-driven drama and psychological depth is admirable. The production’s authenticity and attention to detail, from the costuming to the set design, create a believable ancient world, though some critics noted inconsistencies in casting and tone.
Audience Recommendations
This film is ideal for viewers who appreciate literary adaptations, historical dramas, and character-driven stories. Fans of Greek mythology will find a fresh, introspective take on a classic tale. Those seeking action-heavy spectacle may find the film’s contemplative pace challenging, but it rewards patience with emotional resonance.
Conclusions and Ratings
RETURN (2025) is a thoughtful, visually striking adaptation of Homer’s epic, anchored by standout performances and rich thematic exploration. Despite some uneven elements, it offers a moving meditation on homecoming and the human cost of war.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Trailer on YouTube
Images:
- Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus, weathered and contemplative, on the shores of Ithaca.
- Juliette Binoche as Penelope, weaving at her loom under the watchful eyes of the suitors.
- The tense archery contest in the palace’s great hall.
- The emotional reunion of Odysseus and Penelope in their hidden chamber.