The Return of Ulysses, the film
The film The Return of Ulysses (“The Return”), directed by Uberto Pasolini, is presented as an intimate and human reinterpretation of Homer's classical work, The Odyssey.
This production, starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, will arrive in Spanish cinemas on August 22, 2025.
The film deals with the return of the Greek hero to Ithaca after twenty years of absence and his struggle to recover his family and his kingdom.
Preview at the Toronto Film Festival and initial reviews
The Return of Ulysses had its world premiere in September 2024 at the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the most important film events internationally.
The film received mostly positive reviews from specialized critics, who especially valued the deep and restrained performance of the protagonist Ulysses, as well as the delicate and powerful presence of the actress who plays Penelope.
According to several reviews, Uberto Pasolini's adaptation stands out for its intimate approach, moving away from the traditional epic tone to focus on the personal and family conflicts of the hero's return. This innovative approach has been praised for providing a fresh and human perspective on a universal story that has been adapted on numerous occasions throughout history.
The audience in Toronto also responded with enthusiasm, valuing the quality of the production, the artistic direction, and the emotional depth of the script.
On specialized platforms, the film maintains a positive rating close to 80% on aggregators such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, although with some criticism regarding the slow pace of the narration.
Premiere in Spain and distribution
The distributor A Contracorriente Films organized press screenings in Madrid and Barcelona, ahead of the official premiere on August 22, 2025, in Spanish cinemas.
It is expected to attract a wide audience, from lovers of classic cinema to viewers interested in historical dramas and literary adaptations.
The film will be distributed in conventional cinemas, opting for an immersive audiovisual experience that seeks to rescue classic epic themes but with a contemporary and relatable treatment.
Cast and crew
The main cast is led by Ralph Fiennes, a renowned British actor who brings a performance full of vulnerability and strength to Ulysses.
Juliette Binoche plays Penelope, a role that confirms the versatility of the French actress and her ability to give emotional depth to her character.
Other prominent cast members include Charlie Plummer as Telemachus, Ulysses' son; Marwan Kenzari as Antinous, one of Penelope's ambitious suitors; and Claudio Santamaria in the role of Eumaeus, the faithful swineherd who represents loyalty in Ithaca. Spanish actress Ángela Molina plays Euryclea, the loyal maid of the royal family, adding prestige to the ensemble.
The screenplay was adapted by Edward Bond, John Collee, and director Uberto Pasolini himself, based on the latter parts of The Odyssey.
The total duration is 1 hour and 56 minutes, with a genre that mixes drama, adventure, and epic elements.
Statements from the director and actors
Uberto Pasolini has stated in several interviews that his intention was to offer an intimate look at Ulysses, exploring the complexity of his return and the effects of war and absence on his family and his people.
“I wanted to focus on the human Ulysses, on his doubts, his wounds, and his determination to rebuild his life,” he commented during a meeting with the press.
Ralph Fiennes pointed out that playing Ulysses was an exciting challenge, especially due to the historical and cultural weight of the character. He emphasized that the film addresses "the internal struggle between duty and personal desire, something we can all understand."
Juliette Binoche, for her part, highlighted Penelope's strength and dignity, describing her as "a fundamental pillar that sustains hope in the story."
Classics never die
The Return of Ulysses represents a new look at a universal classic; the film aims to consolidate itself in Spanish cinemas, providing a cinematic experience that merges epic and humanity.
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