The return (2024)

This film narrates a mythological theme: the return of the hero Odysseus (Odysseus) to his home in Ithaca. There are no gods or divine interventions in the film; it is a realistic revision of the classical Greek myth.

Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) is a mature and weary man, who returns home almost by chance. His boat is shipwrecked and he washes up on a beach where he lies until he is found by fishermen. Before long, he realises that these lands are those where he was once king.

But the reality in Ithaca is now different. Queen Penelope (Juliette Binoche) weaves and unweaves a shroud that she uses as a pretext to prolong the decision about her future husband.

After decades, Odysseus has been presumed dead. So the queen must choose a new king. Her main suitor, Antinous (Marwan Kenzari) seems closer and closer to fulfilling his goal.

In addition, Telemachus (Charlie Plummer), son of Odysseus and Penelope, does not seem to have the character to handle the situation.

After presenting all these classic elements of the Odyssey, the film focuses on Odysseus. The protagonist of this story goes through a kind of psychological trance and does not return to reclaim his place immediately.

Instead, he prefers to adopt the role of a beggar who observes what is going on in a kingdom that is in open decay. It is as if the character, after all his journey, is suffering from a kind of post-traumatic stress.

The film is an outcry against war, against what turns men to the point where they no longer recognise themselves.

It is to put before the mirror of shame the rapes, fratricides and infanticides committed during any conflict until you don't want to remember, not to have the courage to face your loved ones and let them see the man you have become; it is just to want to forget.

Filmed on the island of Corfu in Greece, and especially in the castle of Elis in the Peloponnese.