Ralph Fiennes shares a sweet embrace with co-star Juliette Binoche at the New York premiere of The Return

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As a lifelong admirer of both Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, I find myself utterly captivated by their reunion on the big screen in “The Return.” Their shared history, stretching back to their work together on “The English Patient” and the 1992 adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” adds a layer of richness and depth that is truly rare in modern cinema.

At the New York debut of “The Return,” located on Bleecker Street, Ralph Fiennes and his fellow actor Juliette Binoche exchanged a touching hug during the event on Tuesday.

61-year-old British actor appeared more joyful than ever before, flashing a smile alongside Juliette (also 60 years old) during their red carpet moment at AMC Lincoln Square theater.

In a contemporary adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey, the actor known for playing Harry Potter is teaming up with Juliette once more. This reunion comes thirty years after their unforgettable roles in the Academy Award-winning film, The English Patient.

Wearing a trendy white hood sweater, Juliette beamed uncontrollably as she linked arms with Ralph.

She teamed her stunning look with a trendy black leather-look coat and stylish heeled boots.

The trailer reveals The Return as the story of King Odysseus (Fiennes) finally reaching Ithaca after his long, brutal journey home from the Trojan War, only to face a harsh reality. 

He wonders aloud, “What reaction will there be when they notice I’ve come back by myself? Will they think that I sent all their warriors to their doom?

In a tight, intense shot, Fiennes appears dramatically changed – wearing tattered clothing, sporting an unkempt beard, and bearing weary, tormented eyes – underscoring the immense hardships this king has faced during his return voyage.

‘Twenty years have passed since Odysseus (Fiennes) left, and now he washes ashore on Ithaca, looking worn and unfamiliar. Despite his return from the Trojan War, there have been significant changes in his kingdom.’

In their home, Penelope (Binoche), the cherished wife, is confined like a captive, constantly harassed by potential kings eagerly pursuing her for their own gain. Meanwhile, their son Telemachus finds himself in grave danger at the hands of these ambitious suitors, who view him as nothing more than an insignificant hurdle on their path to seizing the kingdom.

Odysseus has been altered; the battles of Troy have left their mark on him, transforming him from the powerful hero of yesteryears into a weary survivor. Yet, to reclaim what was once his, he must find the strength that lay dormant within him.

In addition to the main stars, Charlie Plummer, Marwan Kenzari, Claudio Santamaria, and Angela Molina complete the impressive ensemble.

As a devoted admirer, I had the privilege of contributing to the creation of “The Return” alongside esteemed directors such as Uberto Pasolini, John Collee, and Edward Bond. In addition, I was honored to serve as one of the producers, working alongside James Clayton, Roberto Sessa, and Kostantinos Kontovrakis, making this movie a truly collaborative effort.

Back in the crisp days of October, I had the privilege of shedding light on an intriguing twist in the narrative world for IndieWire. “The Return,” as it’s titled, is daringly diverging from the timeless saga of Odysseus, offering a fresh perspective on this epic tale.

Fiennes clarified that the script eliminated monstrous elements. He added that the narrative concluded with The Odyssey, implying that there was no divine presence like Athena to enhance Odysseus’ appearance, provide a better hairstyle, or bestow additional abilities upon him.

‘So we embrace the idea that he is a man after 20 years of travel, 10 years at war, 20 years lost. 

He arrives stripped bare, possessing nothing. A blanket is provided for him. The only clothing he dons is a single crimson fabric, which he creatively arranges in various fashions, and a loincloth.

At the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, The Return had its initial screening. During this event, Juliette shared with The Hollywood Reporter that reuniting with Ralph for the film was a delightful experience.

Previously, I was fortunate enough to collaborate with a renowned director on “The English Patient” and the 1992 adaptation of “Wuthering Heights.” That experience marked Ralph’s entry into the world of filmmaking, making it a memorable milestone in my career as well.

For all these years, we’ve remained good friends,” mentioned Juliette, the 1997 Supporting Actress Oscar winner for her performance in The English Patient.

Ralph told the outlet that it was ‘a no-brainer’ to play Juliette’s onscreen husband.

Juliette serves as my compass: her profound, instinctive insight into acting for film is nothing short of extraordinary.

61-year-old Ralph embarked on a challenging fitness routine that included dieting, running, and weightlifting to create a toned, athletic body suitable for playing the character of Odysseus.

Fiennes mentioned that we were trying to achieve an athletic, lean appearance, as if the person portrayed had devoted their lifetime to activities like rowing, swimming, and sailing while maintaining a minimal diet.

Uberto was concerned that I wouldn’t appear as if I had recently visited a gym. To be honest, at my current stage in life, I’m not likely to build a significant amount of muscle mass.

I entrusted my training to this marvelous individual, who became my mentor, and simply let him guide me. The essential lesson I gleaned is that discipline in one’s diet is crucial. Adhere to it, and excess weight will naturally disappear.

The Return premieres in theatres December 6.

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2024-12-04 14:09