Movie review…
My dearest readers,
Today we are going to talk about the movie ”THE RETURN”. It was a few days ago when I decided to watch this movie, so I am going to give you my honest review! I hope you find it useful!
Review of “The Return” (2024)
The 2024 film The Return takes inspiration from the ancient Greek epic of Odysseus, exploring the hero’s return to Ithaca after a long and tumultuous journey. The story begins with Odysseus finally returning home after a 20-year absence. As he steps foot on his homeland, the film delves into the complicated relationships between him, his wife Penelope, and his son Telemachus. However, unlike the original myth, the film takes significant creative liberties, transforming the dynamics between these central characters and altering key aspects of the epic’s narrative. In The Return, Odysseus’ homecoming is filled with unresolved emotional turmoil and interpersonal conflict, departing significantly from the traditional portrayal of a reunited family.
While the movie does capture the overarching theme of a hero’s arduous journey back home, its treatment of the myth of Odysseus and his relationships is disappointing. The film takes liberties with the original story, twisting the emotional core of the characters in ways that feel forced and unnatural. The relationship between Odysseus and Penelope, which is one of the most profound elements in the original epic, is reduced to a tense and somewhat implausible drama. The trust and mutual respect that defined their bond are replaced with unnecessary suspicion and bitterness. Similarly, the father-son relationship between Odysseus and Telemachus, which should be one of the most poignant parts of the story, is undermined by clumsy dialogue and poor character development. This dramatic shift from the original myth feels more like an attempt at modernizing the tale, but it ends up sacrificing the depth and beauty of the ancient story.
Moreover, the film’s overall tone is inconsistent. The pacing falters between emotional moments and action sequences, making it difficult to engage with the story on a deeper level. The film spends too much time on secondary conflicts and side plots that distract from the main narrative of Odysseus’ return, diluting the impact of the film’s emotional and mythical core. The characters’ motivations feel anything but real due to the movie’s twisted and modern point of view! The heartwarming reunion that should exist between Odysseus and his family is replaced by Odysseus betrayal and broken spirit…something that is never referred in the known myth!. Despite the high production value and attempts at epic storytelling, The Return lacks the subtlety and gravitas needed to honor the legacy of the ancient Greek myth.
For anyone interested in a faithful and emotionally resonant portrayal of the Odyssey, The Return falls short. The 1997 television miniseries The Odyssey, starring Armand Assante as Odysseus, remains the definitive adaptation of Homer’s work. It faithfully captures the essence of the myth, preserving the heroism, emotional depth, and intricate relationships of the original text. Unlike The Return, The Odyssey strikes a delicate balance between the grand adventure and the intimate moments of family and homecoming. It is a far superior adaptation that stays true to the spirit of the ancient epic, making it the definitive cinematic exploration of the timeless story of Odysseus.
Yours truly,
Nikoletta
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