Audiences wait for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. People who want their fix of Greek myths could turn to Uberto Pasolini’s The Return.
The indie offering released in 2025 is now available to rent on streaming services. It provides a slightly different take on Homer’s epic poem. The movie stars Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus. It depicts the tail end of his decade-long journey home from the Trojan War.
The Official Trailer for The Return Directed by Uberto Pasolini
Greek myths are often associated with grand spectacle
In the entertainment industry, adaptations of Greek myths have often been heavy on spectacle. Reflecting the epic nature of the stories from thousands of years ago. This is especially true in the online casino industry. Where the ancient Greek-themed games at Paddy’s come with high-octane features and flashy animations.
The Clash of the Titans (2010) is an example of Greek myths often told in a larger-than-life way. The offering from Louis Leterrier featured much of CGI. It shows the powers of the mighty gods as they go head to head.
Nolan’s Odyssey is expected to continue this theme. With the movie reported to have a budget of $250 Million according to Cineworld. It is to be the most expensive movie yet from the Christopher Nolan. He a similar budget to that of The Dark Knight Rises. It is may be easy to imagine how this budget will be spent. Simply, to bring to life some incredible characters from Homer’s poem, such as Polyphemus the Cyclops.
The Clash of the Titians Directed by Louis Leterrier
A story rooted in human struggle
Pasolini decided to take a different approach with his film, The Return. Centering on the human side of the story rather than making it a visual feast. Re-telling of Odysseus’ story have always focused on how the hero overcame. Various obstacles in his way to get home, but The Return depicts him as more of a weary survivor. Fiennes did an incredible job of showing what years of conflict and hardship could do to a man. The celebrated English actor clearly had a great time playing such an iconic character.
A lot of the tension in the film is to do with relationships. There are some incredible scenes between Fiennes and his co-star Juliette Binoche as Penelope. A review in Decider displays how difficult it is be to reunite with a loved one after a time apart.
A different direction for mythological films
For many, The Return is a breath of fresh air. As it eschews the common formula found in adaptations of Greek myths. Instead of being all about the visuals, this one explores the character’s thoughts and feelings in a deeper way.
There are plenty of other amazing stories from ancient Greece and other old civilizations. It would be great to see some other filmmakers approach them in a similar manner to Pasolini in The Return. Indeed, perhaps The Return director will decide to make some more offerings from the tales of the era himself. There’s plenty of source material to draw from.
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