Our take
The Return is a grounded retelling of Odysseus coming home to Ithaca. Expect spear and sword violence, bloody injuries, and strong language including f-word. Funeral and long-absence grief run through the story. Not a sanitized school-myth version. Best for older teens studying classics or historical drama
Uplifting themes
Loyalty, patience, and restoring a kingdom after long absence are central themes Penelope and Telemachus show resilience during Odysseus's long absence
Story (may spoil tone)
After twenty years away, Odysseus washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable. The king has finally returned home, but much has changed in his kingdom since he left to fight in the Trojan war.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence Spear and sword combat, throat-slitting threats, and battle aftermath i…
Spear and sword combat, throat-slitting threats, and battle aftermath in the Homeric epic
Language Strong language including f-word and b-word during tense reunions and f…
Strong language including f-word and b-word during tense reunions and fights
Sex / nudity No sex found in this title
No sex found in this title
Drugs / alcohol No drugs found in this title
No drugs found in this title
Frightening Brutal combat and vengeance tension may unsettle viewers expecting a ge…
Brutal combat and vengeance tension may unsettle viewers expecting a gentle myth retelling
Self-harm / suicide No self-harm found in this title
No self-harm found in this title
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse No child peril found in this title
No child peril found in this title
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons Bloodied wounds, blades, and arrows appear in grounded ancient combat
Bloodied wounds, blades, and arrows appear in grounded ancient combat
Dangerous behaviour No dangerous behavior found in this title
No dangerous behavior found in this title
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health No mental health found in this title
No mental health found in this title
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement Funeral rites, twenty years of separation, and wartime loss shape the h…
Funeral rites, twenty years of separation, and wartime loss shape the homecoming
Talk after watching
- Odysseus returns changed by war. How do families adjust when someone comes home different?
- Ancient stories mix heroism with violence. What parts feel heroic versus harmful today?