TIFF 2024: The Return (Trailer Coming Soon)
The Return at TIFF 2024: A Cinematic Reunion of Legends
Get ready for a cinematic treat as The Return brings together Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche in a powerful adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. Directed by Uberto Pasolini, this film is set to make its World Premiere at TIFF 2024, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally charged drama that’s steeped in classical Greek mythology.
The Story: A Hero Returns to a Changed World
The Return picks up after Odysseus (played by Ralph Fiennes) washes up on the shores of his homeland, Ithaca, after more than 20 years of fighting in the Trojan War and wandering the seas. But the kingdom he returns to is nothing like the one he left. His wife, Penelope (played by Juliette Binoche), has been waiting for him all this time, while their son Telemachus (played by Charlie Plummer) has grown up without him and doubts that his father will ever return.
The once-mighty warrior, now barely recognizable, makes his way back to the castle to find his home in disarray. The island is desolate, and a group of unruly suitors has taken over, pressuring Penelope to choose a new king. She, however, clings to hope, weaving a red quilt as a way to buy time.
When Odysseus finally steps into this viper’s nest, Penelope sets a test that will determine whether this weakened man is truly her husband, the king who once ruled Ithaca.
Why You’ll Love It
- A Legendary Cast: The reunion of Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche is enough reason to get excited. Their chemistry, which captivated audiences in The English Patient, shines through again as they step into the iconic roles of Odysseus and Penelope.
- A Timeless Story: The Return taps into the power of Homer’s Odyssey, one of the greatest epic tales of all time. It’s a story of survival, loyalty, and identity, with Odysseus’s homecoming serving as a metaphor for the struggles we all face in returning to the places and people we once knew after long absences or personal journeys.
- Visually Stunning: Uberto Pasolini delivers a slow-burning, beautifully shot film. Every frame feels deliberate, from the desolate landscape of Ithaca to the tension-filled scenes inside the castle. It’s a film that will stay with you, not just for its story, but for its haunting visuals.
What Makes The Return Stand Out
Unlike other adaptations of The Odyssey, The Return is more about what happens after the hero’s journey. The film dives into what it means to come home, only to find that everything—including yourself—has changed. The dynamic between Odysseus and Penelope is not just about love, but about time, loss, and resilience.
Juliette Binoche’s Penelope isn’t just waiting helplessly; she’s actively protecting her family and kingdom in subtle yet powerful ways. The weaving of the red quilt becomes a symbol of her strength and patience, while Ralph Fiennes captures Odysseus’s vulnerability as a once-great man trying to reclaim his place.
When and Where to Watch The Return at TIFF 2024
- Saturday, September 7 – 9:30 pm at Roy Thomson Hall
- Sunday, September 8 – 12:05 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto (Press & Industry)
- Sunday, September 8 – 5:30 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
If you’re a fan of epic tales, deep character-driven stories, or just love seeing Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche on screen together, The Return is a must-see at TIFF 2024. It’s not just a story of a hero’s journey; it’s a meditation on time, identity, and the cost of war.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this beautifully crafted adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, which offers a fresh perspective on one of the oldest stories in history.
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