As a film enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “The Return” is a masterful adaptation of one of the most revered epics in literature. The performances by Ralph Fiennes and Cate Blanchett are nothing short of extraordinary, their chemistry reminiscent of a fine wine that only improves with age.
In “The Return,” Ralph Fiennes delivers an exceptionally intense physical portrayal, marking one of the high points in his distinguished career. This gripping adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, “The Odyssey,” is lean and raw.
A naked man washes up on the shores of Ithaca. The island has suffered mightily since King Odysseus (Fiennes) left 20 years earlier with their best warriors to fight the Trojan War. His long absence and presumed death has led to a scourge of scoundrels and villainy. Ruthless suitors terrorize Ithaca as they wait for Queen Penelope (Binoche) to choose a new husband. Their son, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), tries to defend his mother’s honor, but knows that time has run out on her grief.
Eumaeus (Claudio Santamaria) brings a suckling pig to feed the suitors encamped around the castle. He’s mocked and ridiculed, but delivers a stark warning. Soon the island will run out of food. Antinous (Marwan Kenzari), their cunning leader and most desperate for Penelope’s hand, scolds him to know his place. Eumaeus returns home to see his dog biting a naked beggar crawling up the path.
The Return of the King
In the castle, Penelope is making a funeral shroud for the ailing father of Odysseus, the old king. She promised to marry once it was done, but unbeknownst to the suitors, she undoes her daily work each night as a means to resist their unwanted advances. Antinous menacingly warns Telemachus that his life will be in danger if Penelope persists in turning down his proposals. Meanwhile, Eumaeus tends to the wounds of a mysterious stranger, whose robust physique has been reduced to mere muscle, tendons, and scars. He gruffly asks if the queen is still alive. Eumaeus sadly informs Odysseus about the poor condition of the island and that Penelope has been patiently waiting for her husband’s return.
Uberto Pasolini, an Italian director and co-writer known for his work on The Full Monty, adopts a straightforward yet impactful approach in his film The Return. Unlike grandiose Hollywood epics filled with swords and sandals, this production offers a close, gritty portrayal of reality. The inhabitants of Ithaca find themselves under the cruel dominion of despicable invaders who plunder resources and commit heinous acts against those who resist.
It’s heart-wrenching to see Penelope, seemingly doomed to choose from among those who ruthlessly harm her people without consequence. Telemachus simmers with fury, feeling helpless against such ruthless adversaries. The situation in Ithaca mirrors the plight of innocents brutalized by war, left vulnerable and unprotected.
Ralph Fiennes & Juliette Binoche Master the Love Story
As a dedicated cinephile, I can’t help but acknowledge that Fiennes is one of the most remarkable actors of his generation. Comparing his performance in The Return to his other films, especially Conclave in 2024, is truly awe-inspiring. Despite his imposing physique, Fiennes demonstrates an astonishing depth of nuance throughout the film.
One of the film’s most intense moments shows a shocked Telemachus cursing his father following the revelation of the beggar’s true identity. The weight of their suffering falls squarely on him, but the king’s reaction is equally devastating. Can you believe it? This isn’t exactly a joyful homecoming!
In the aftermath of war, Binoche illuminates the hidden resilience and bravery of those left behind. Penelope realizes that Telemachus, who grew up without his father, Odysseus, who departed when he was only a child, lacks the fighting prowess to protect them. It’s clear that Antinous, or anyone else for that matter, would seek to eliminate him to put pressure on her. Penelope uses her loom as a disguise for a strategic maneuver to safeguard her son. Telemachus poses a threat to any potential new ruler who desires his own heir. In other words, The Return is filled with palace politics, as each character plots their move in a secret power struggle reminiscent of the Game of Thrones.
A Slow Build to an Excellent Ending
The climax of The Return is profoundly fulfilling, a fact that those who recall their high school lessons about Odysseus will appreciate. After regaining his strength, Odysseus’s vengeance and rage are more than just words could convey. However, the third act delicately explores whether Penelope and others recognize him as the beggar he pretends to be. War has a way of altering people. Could it be that Odysseus had second thoughts about returning to face those he left behind? Or perhaps Penelope, despite her unwavering fidelity, might not feel the same way about her husband after witnessing the man he’d become? Tune in to find out. In the end, it’s a testament to the indestructible nature of true love.
The Return
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2024-12-05 21:31