Itaca - Il ritorno film explores the human side of the Odyssey

The film ‘Itaca – Il ritorno’ (The Return), directed by Uberto Pasolini, is being broadcast on Rai 5 and Rai Movie. Released in 2024, the film offers a humanistic reinterpretation of Homer’s Odyssey, focusing on the psychological consequences of war rather than mythological elements or supernatural creatures.

Starring Ralph Fiennes as an aged and weathered Odysseus and Juliette Binoche as Penelope, the story follows Odysseus’s return to Ithaca after twenty years. The narrative emphasizes the difficulty of reintegrating into a family and a kingdom that have changed significantly during his absence. Penelope faces pressure from suitors, while Telemachus, played by Charlie Plummer, remains a target for those seeking power.

The production, co-produced by Rai Cinema, was filmed primarily in Greece, utilizing locations such as Corfu, the Peloponnese, and Kyllini, as well as the Chlemoutsi Castle. Portions of the filming also took place in Italy to maintain a Mediterranean visual style.