The Return

“Reminiscent of another Pasolini, Pier Paolo, in its minimalist take on a classic story, the film relies mainly on the elemental power of Fiennes and Binoche, both suitably haunting as the long-separated lovers who have lapsed into emotional despair.” —Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

Directed by Uberto Pasolini , The Return portrays a classic tale of a soldier’s return from war. After 20 years away, Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable. The King has returned from the Trojan War, but much has changed in his kingdom. His beloved wife Penelope (Juliette Binoche) is a prisoner in her own home, hounded by suitors vying to be king. Their son Telemachus (Charlie Plummer) faces death at the hands of these suitors, who see him only as an obstacle to their pursuit of the kingdom. Odysseus has also changed—scarred by his journey and his wartime experience, he is no longer the mighty warrior from years past—but he must rediscover his strength in order to win back all that he has lost.

R; 116 minutes

Magnolia at the Modern is an ongoing series featuring critically acclaimed films. Tickets are $10; $8 for Friend-level Modern members; $7 for Associate-level Modern members and above. The Sunday noon showtime is half price. Learn more about the special benefits of joining Reel People, a membership add-on for film enthusiasts.

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We have a new option for assistive listening, the Listen Everywhere phone app that plays the film’s audio through your Bluetooth hearing aids or any phone headphones.