When most people picture the classic tale of The Odyssey, what comes to mind are legendary beasts, miracles performed by gods, and fantastical voyages across the sea. But Uberto Pasolini’s new film The Return sets sail on a different course. It home sin only on the part of Homer’s epic poem where Odysseus at last reaches his destination of Ithaca after twenty years away at war.

We learn Odysseus fought bravely alongside other Greeks to vanquish the city of Troy. But the journey home proved an even greater challenge, with harrowing encounters with monsters and deities that delayed his family’s reunion for years more. Now at last a beaten man washes ashore on the island shores he once knew as king. But the kingdom he left behind has fallen into disarray.

The long-waiting and loyal Penelope struggles to govern in his absence, her rule continually under threat...