The film The Return of Ulysses (“The Return”), directed by Uberto Pasolini, is presented as an intimate and human retelling of Homer's classic work, The Odyssey .
This production starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche hits Spanish theaters on August 22, 2025.
The film tells the story of the Greek hero's return to Ithaca after a twenty-year absence and his struggle to regain his family and kingdom.
Toronto Film Festival Preview and First Reviews
The Return of Ulysses had its world premiere in September 2024 at the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the most important international film festivals.
The film received mostly positive reviews from the specialized press, who especially praised the profound 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 familial conflicts of the hero's return. This innovative approach has been praised for bringing a fresh and human perspective to a universal tale that has been adapted numerous times throughout history.
The Toronto audience also responded enthusiastically, praising the quality of the production, the artistic direction, and the emotionality of the script.
On specialized platforms, the film maintains a positive rating of nearly 80% on aggregators such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, although with some criticism regarding the slow pace of the narrative.
Premiere in Spain and distribution
Distributor A Contracorriente Films organized press screenings in Madrid and Barcelona, ahead of the official release on August 22, 2025, in Spanish theaters.
It is expected to attract a wide audience, from classic film lovers to viewers interested in historical dramas and literary adaptations.
The film will be distributed in conventional theaters, offering an immersive audiovisual experience that seeks to revive the classic epic with a contemporary and relatable approach.
Cast and crew
The main cast is led by Ralph Fiennes, a renowned British actor who brings a performance of vulnerability and strength to Ulysses.
Juliette Binoche plays Penelope, a role that confirms the French actress's versatility and her ability to bring emotional depth to her character.
Other notable cast members include Charlie Plummer as Telemachus, Odysseus's son; Marwan Kenzari as Antinous, one of Penelope's ambitious suitors; and Claudio Santamaria as Eumaeus, the faithful swineherd who represents loyalty in Ithaca. Spanish actress Angela Molina plays Euryclea, the royal family's loyal servant, adding to the cast's prestige.
The script has been adapted by Edward Bond, John Collee and director Uberto Pasolini himself, based on the final parts of The Odyssey .
The total running time 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 expressed 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 people.
"I wanted to focus on the human Ulysses, his doubts, his wounds, and his determination to rebuild his life," he said at a press conference.
Ralph Fiennes noted that portraying Ulysses was an exciting challenge, especially given the character's historical and cultural significance. He emphasized that the film addresses "the internal struggle between duty and personal desire, something we can all relate to."
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 take on a universal classic. The film aims to establish itself in Spanish theaters, providing a cinematic experience that fuses epic and humanity.
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