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The Return (2024) by Uberto Pasolini: A Timeless Odyssey of Scars and Homecoming

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Jul 28
  • 7 min read

Short Summary: The King's Weary Arrival The Return is a profound 2024 drama directed by Uberto Pasolini, offering a grounded and humanistic reinterpretation of the final books of Homer's The Odyssey. Starring Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus and Juliette Binoche as Penelope, the film focuses on Odysseus's return to Ithaca after 20 years, haggard and unrecognizable, only to find his kingdom in turmoil. His wife, Penelope, is besieged by aggressive suitors, and his son, Telemachus, faces death. Stripped of the mythological grandeur, the film delves into the psychological and emotional toll of war, the complexities of homecoming, and the arduous process of reclaiming identity, family, and kingdom.

Detailed Summary: A Hero's Unheroic Homecoming

  • A Shattered Kingdom: After two decades fighting in the Trojan War and enduring a perilous journey home, Odysseus washes ashore on Ithaca, a shadow of his former kingly self. His beloved island and family are unrecognizable, having descended into chaos.

  • Penelope's Plight: His wife, Penelope, is trapped in her own home, constantly hounded by a relentless horde of suitors vying for her hand and Odysseus's throne. She uses guile and a cunning loyalty to stall them, desperately hoping for her husband's return.

  • Telemachus in Peril: Their son, Telemachus, now a young man, is seen as an obstacle by the suitors and faces constant threats, living in fear for his life and his mother's safety.

  • The Weight of War: The film strips away the fantastical elements of The Odyssey (no Cyclops, Sirens, or magical interventions) to focus on the brutal human cost of war. Odysseus is not the mighty, cunning warrior of legend, but a man scarred by trauma and burdened by the memories of battle.

  • Reclaiming Identity: As Odysseus, disguised, navigates his own home, he must meticulously plan his re-entry and confront those who have usurped his place. The narrative explores the themes of disguise and authenticity, and how one's true identity is not defined by external appearances or past glories, but by enduring relationships and inner strength.

Plot summary: Reclaiming a Kingdom, One Step at a Time

  • Odysseus's Desperate Arrival: The film opens with Odysseus, physically and mentally broken, washing up on the shores of Ithaca, unrecognizable even to his loyal swineherd, Eumaeus.

  • An Unchanged World, Yet Changed: He discovers that his palace is overrun by aggressive, gluttonous suitors who exploit his household and pressure Penelope to choose a new husband, believing Odysseus is dead.

  • The Son's Despair: Telemachus is on the verge of manhood but lacks his father's presence and is constantly threatened by the suitors, who see him as an impediment to gaining Penelope and the throne.

  • Calculated Retribution: Disguised as a beggar, Odysseus slowly begins to assess the situation and meticulously plans his retribution, testing the loyalty of those around him.

  • Penelope's Steadfastness: Penelope, despite immense pressure, cunningly delays the suitors, clinging to the hope of Odysseus's return and subtly working to maintain order. The film highlights her intelligence and steadfastness.

  • Violent Climax and Reconciliation: The story builds to Odysseus's violent confrontation with the suitors. Following the brutal but necessary slaughter, Odysseus and Penelope cautiously reconcile, a tender process of two deeply scarred individuals finding each other again and working to re-establish their family and kingdom.

Director's Vision: Deconstructing the Myth, Highlighting Humanity

  • Uberto Pasolini aimed to create a stripped-down, realistic adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey, specifically focusing on Odysseus's homecoming and omitting the fantastical elements of his journey.

  • His vision was to explore the profound psychological and emotional toll of war and PTSD on a returning soldier, presenting Odysseus not as a mythical hero but as a deeply traumatized human being.

  • Pasolini sought to make the ancient tale resonate with contemporary audiences by drawing parallels to modern themes of war, loss, homecoming, and the changing nature of masculinity and power.

  • He emphasized nuanced performances from Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche to convey the unspoken grief, trauma, and complex relationship dynamics of characters who have endured prolonged separation and immense suffering.

  • The film explores themes of disguise and authenticity, suggesting that true identity lies beyond external status or appearance, and that meaningful relationships are built on trust and shared values.

Themes: Trauma, Loyalty, Identity, and the Cost of War

  • The Trauma of War: The film delves deeply into the psychological wounds and PTSD that soldiers carry home, depicting Odysseus as a broken man, haunted by his experiences, rather than a triumphant hero.

  • The Nature of Home and Homecoming: It explores the challenges of returning home after a long absence, only to find that both the place and the people have changed, and the arduous process of reintegrating and reclaiming one's life.

  • Love, Loyalty, and Resilience: The unwavering loyalty of Penelope, Eumaeus, and a few others stands in stark contrast to the betrayal and greed of the suitors, highlighting the enduring power of true bonds.

  • Identity and Perception: Odysseus's disguise as a beggar forces him to confront how he is perceived based on status and appearance versus his true character and worth.

  • Masculinity and Power: The film subtly critiques outdated notions of aggressive, aristocratic power, contrasting the suitors' brutish behavior with Odysseus's more strategic and ultimately restorative approach to reclaiming his rightful place.

Key success factors: Stellar Performances and Relevant Modernity

  • Lead Performances by Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche: The pairing of these two highly acclaimed actors is a major strength. Their ability to convey profound internal struggles and complex emotions through subtle performances is consistently praised.

  • Grounded and Realistic Adaptation: By removing the mythological elements, the film offers a fresh and accessible take on a classic story, allowing for a deeper focus on its humanistic themes.

  • Timely and Relevant Themes: The exploration of PTSD, the impact of war on families, and the difficulties of reintegration resonate strongly with contemporary audiences and current global events.

  • Uberto Pasolini's Direction: Pasolini's precise and solemn pacing, while sometimes criticized, is also noted for creating a meditative atmosphere that allows for the emotional depth of the performances to shine through.

  • Visually Striking Cinematography: Marius Panduru's cinematography contributes to the film's "sumptuous" look, creating a visually compelling backdrop for the drama.

Awards and Nominations: Festival Recognition The Return premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2024, garnering early attention. It was also an Official Selection at the Rome Film Fest 2024. While it did not win major competitive awards at these festivals, its inclusion in prominent sections underscored its critical relevance and anticipation.

Critics Reception: A Stripped-Down, Thought-Provoking Odyssey

  • Cinematary: Critic Andrew Swafford found the film "blandly synonymous" and "boring" by removing the "magic" and mythological elements of The Odyssey, arguing it "saps The Odyssey of its most fascinating elements." He also noted it presents Odysseus as "more-or-less straightforwardly heroic" without much moral ambiguity.

  • Metacritic: Critics described the film as a "stark, solemnly paced experience" that explores "masculinity and power," and the "psychological and emotional toll of war and PTSD." Some found its stripped-down narrative "enervating" while others found it "thrilling."

  • Rome Central: Praised the film for taking a "reflective and contemporary approach to Homer's Odyssey, weaving the epic themes of war, loss, and homecoming into a modern-day setting." It highlighted the "nuanced performances" of Fiennes and Binoche in conveying internal struggles and the "emotional depth" of the film.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics offered a mixed reception to The Return. While widely praised for its grounded, humanistic approach to The Odyssey and the powerful performances of Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, some reviewers found its stripped-down narrative and slow pace to be dull or lacking the epic scope of the source material. However, many acknowledged its success in exploring profound themes of trauma, identity, and the modern relevance of an ancient tale.

Reviews: Visceral, Intimate, and Sometimes Slow

  • Tales of Times Forgotten: Acknowledged the film contained "strong acting and truly great moments (including a twist on the bow scene worthy of the original Odyssey)," but criticized weak dialogue and a mischaracterization of Odysseus.

  • Greek Gods Paradise: Praised the film for reimagining the legendary conclusion of Homer's The Odyssey with a "realistic storyline" and for daring "to ask profound questions about loyalty, legacy, and the nature of home." It highlighted the "breathtaking cinematic journey" and its exploration of Odysseus's internal battles.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews varied but generally acknowledged The Return as a serious, character-driven adaptation that aimed for intimacy and realism. While some found its pace too slow or its departures from the original myth unsatisfying, others lauded its emotional depth, powerful acting, and thoughtful exploration of timeless themes.

Why to watch this movie: A Deeply Human Look at an Epic

  • Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche: Their performances alone are a compelling reason to watch, as they bring immense depth and vulnerability to iconic characters.

  • A Unique Take on a Classic: If you're interested in seeing a beloved ancient myth stripped down to its human core, exploring universal themes without the fantastical elements.

  • Exploration of Trauma and Homecoming: The film offers a relevant and poignant examination of the psychological impact of war and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life.

  • Thought-Provoking Drama: It's a film that invites contemplation on themes of identity, loyalty, and the complex nature of relationships after prolonged separation.

  • Uberto Pasolini's Directorial Style: Fans of Pasolini's previous works, like Still Life or Nowhere Special, will appreciate his signature intimate and reflective approach to storytelling.

What Movie Trend film is following: Deconstructed Classics and Humanistic Adaptations The film follows the trend of deconstructed classics and humanistic adaptations, where well-known mythological or literary works are reinterpreted through a modern, realistic, and psychologically grounded lens. This trend moves away from literal or fantastical adaptations to focus on the timeless human elements and their relevance to contemporary issues, often emphasizing the "anti-hero" or the flawed nature of legendary figures.

What Big Social Trend is following: Post-Conflict Trauma and Veteran Reintegration The film directly addresses the significant social trend of post-conflict trauma and the challenges of veteran reintegration into civilian life. By portraying Odysseus's struggles with PTSD and the difficulty of reclaiming his family and identity after two decades of war, the film speaks to the ongoing global issue of soldiers returning home burdened by unseen wounds and the societal responsibility to help them heal and reconnect.

Final Verdict: A Poignant and Unflinching Reimagining The Return is a poignant and unflinching reimagining of one of humanity's oldest stories. Uberto Pasolini strips away the epic's fantastical elements to reveal a raw, human drama about the devastating cost of war and the arduous journey of homecoming. While its deliberate pace may not appeal to all, the film is anchored by Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche's deeply resonant performances, offering a powerful and relevant exploration of trauma, identity, and the enduring nature of love. It stands as a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience for those seeking a deeper, more realistic engagement with the myth of Odysseus.


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