
Return
2011, Drama, 1h 41m
41 Reviews 1,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Powered by a compelling central performance by Linda Cardellini, Return offers a painfully compelling look at the emotional struggles faced by war veterans. Read critic reviews
You might also like
Where to watch
Show all servicesReturn Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Kelli
Mike
Bud
Julie
Jackie
Ed
News & Interviews for Return
Critic Reviews for Return
All Critics (41) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (34) | Rotten (7)
-
The writer-director is Liza Johnson, an artist, making her first picture and doing it with considerable grace.
June 19, 2013 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
May 3, 2012 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Skipping the usual flashbacks-and-cold-sweats cliches, Return has an understated power, even if the story traverses pretty well-trodden ground.
April 29, 2012 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Cardellini holds the restless centre of Liza Johnson's patient, precise drama, which brims with quiet disaffection.
April 5, 2012 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
A debut of sober distinction, carried by the seriously good Linda Cardellini as a US Army supply worker whose readjustment to Rust Belt domesticity is touch and go.
April 5, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
As hounourable as its intentions are, the feeling of been there, done that pervades.
April 5, 2012 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Return
-
Aug 23, 2013"Return" starts with Kelli(Linda Cardellini) coming home to Ohio after serving overseas in the army for a year. In the meantime, her husband Mike(Michael Shannon), a plumber, has been caring for their daughters who have grown a little in her absence. Otherwise, not much has changed, as her job is the same in a warehouse and she still hangs out with the same friends. And then everything falls apart for Kelli... In trying to dramatize the travails of servicepeople returning home, this movie takes the path of utmost subtlety, eschewing any kind of political statement. But then some times you can have too much nuance, as the movie is coy about what is probably causing Kelli's depression until almost the end.(Since Vietnam, returning servicepeople have had a problem adjusting since they are instantly returned to their civilian lives but that's probably not the case here since Kelli is fine at first.) I do buy that she did not undergo anything specifically traumatic overseas, either. What I don't quite get is what has to happen for Kelli to ask for help or why those around her aren't more understanding. And Linda Cardellini's performance does nothing to help since it varies little, except for the scene where Kelli wants to rip the head off of the person sitting across from her. That allows John Slattery and a surprisingly mellow Michael Shannon to steal the movie out from under her.Walter M Super Reviewer
-
Sep 23, 2011Understated, impressive performance from Linda Cardellini. Review soon.Daniel P Super Reviewer
Return Quotes
There are no approved quotes yet for this movie.
Movie & TV guides
About Tomatometer
The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review
About Audience Score
The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher.
Verified