7.9
Where can I stream The Return legally?
You can rent or buy it from Google Play Movies and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Return fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Profoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Melancholy9
- Coming of Age9
- Family Dynamics9
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor3
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Growing up, family, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography9
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Return is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighProfoundly sad and moving
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's profoundly sad, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
HighGrowing up, family, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around growing up, family, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Two young brothers in contemporary Russia are reunited with a father they know only from an old photograph after his sudden return from a long absence. With their mother’s reluctant consent, they set out on a remote trip that quickly becomes an uneasy test of authority, trust, and masculinity. As the journey moves deeper into the wilderness, the fragile bonds between father and sons are pushed to their limits.
Russian CinemaEstranged FamilyComing of AgePsychological DramaFather-Son RelationshipMelancholicBrothersPhilosophicalSlow Burn
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Return
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Return worth watching?
88
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 88/100 (IMDb 7.9 and Rotten Tomatoes 95%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Return?
1 h 51 min
The Return runs 1 h 51 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Return?
Critics95
Audiences86
Not quite. Critics rate The Return higher (95) than audiences (86). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Return in?
Russian
It was made in Russian. Produced in Russia.
In how many countries can I watch The Return?
26
+12
+12GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Return in 26 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Return use?
Decoy ProtagonistCalling the Old Man OutAx-CrazyCharacter DevelopmentThe Cassandra"Well Done, Son" GuyAudience SurrogateMysterious PastPeer Pressure Makes You EvilPromotion to ParentThe Un-RevealAlternate Character Interpretationand 8 more
TV Tropes lists 20 storytelling tropes for The Return, including Decoy Protagonist, Calling the Old Man Out, Ax-Crazy.