The Return is not for the faint-hearted

Overlooking the dour nature of the story this is a powerful and often moving drama and a fine debut by Zvyagintsev.

The Return

Director: Andrey Zvyaginstsev

Cast: Vladimir Garin, Ivan Dobronravov, Konstantin Lavronenko, Natalia Vdovina

Overlooking the dour nature of the story - father, missing for over 12 years, re-connects with his two sons and takes them on a trip to a remote part of Russia, with disastrous results - this is a powerful and often moving drama and a fine debut by Zvyagintsev.

It has a wonderful depth and a story told with an intensity and honesty that vastly impresses. OK, so it’s not for the faint-hearted but it’s a gem.

Star Rating: 4/5