THE RETURN

This 8^th century BC story has been told many times before, but this version is different.  It’s no “swords and sandals” epic – there are no gods, no monsters, no battles, just a very up close and personal account of how Odysseus, after ten years of the war against Troy and ten years of wandering, finally and quite literally, washes up on the shores of his native Ithaca and, while remaining unrecognised, contemplates how to re-establish his position of king and reunite with his queen, Penelope, after so long. Or, in fact, whether he’s actually capable of doing so, overwhelmed as he is by his experiences and the knowledge that the glories of war are a shameful delusion.  Meanwhile, impatient suitors surround Penelope, trying to convince her that Odysseus is dead and she must remarry.

The result is an intelligent, beautifully shot film with a late summer glow and outstanding performances from Fiennes and Binoche.