402 – The Return

402 – The Return

August 24, 2026 · 2h 9m

About this episode

The episode discusses the film 'The Return' and its connection to 'The Odyssey' while analyzing performances and Oscar potential.

As The Odyssey continues to prove to be a career peak for Christopher Nolan and possible return to the Oscar stage, we’re looking back at a very different take on Homer’s epic poem. In 2024, The Return reunited Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche as the Ithacan king and queen – but limited the story just to the fallout from Odysseus’s arrival back to his kingdom. Despite the promise of TIFF Gala placement and a holiday release, The Return was met with a shrug on arrival. This episode, we talk about Ralph Fiennes’s physique-forward performance (eye emoji) and Fiennes in the year of Conclave. We also discuss Charlie Plummer’s brattier take on Telemachus, the film’s lackluster design and aesthetics, and the Oscar hopes for Nolan’s blockbuster. Topics also include Bleecker Street Film, Penelope’s loom, and Best Picture reunion 20 Questions.

People in this episode

Hosts: Joe, Chris

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bleecker Street Film

Books & works: The Odyssey, The Return

Places: Ithaca

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