Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Return’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Return’.

For the vast majority of us, going home for the holidays or in general, is quite the celebratory affair. Because we get to see our beloved family and spend time with them and reminisce in the wonderful life, they provided us with. One that helped us to grow into a productive and intelligent member of society and being surrounded by love and good vibes, does wonders for our mental health and that’s why so many of us will indeed swing by home when the going gets tough. But while there are plenty of reasons to celebrate a voyage home, what we often forget… is that even something as wonderful as that, has its respective dark side to it as well.
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Because not everyone was afforded the wondrous childhood that we were. In fact, for some folks, any memories they have of home… are dark and terrifying in nature, or unsettling at the very least because their upbringing was difficult and painful and, in some cases, downright abusive. So, for them, returning home is a toxic prospect, one that could put them in a tough place mentally since they would be forced to face a past that they worked hard to leave behind. But even then, some go through with it. Simply because they understand that confronting their ugly yesterday is the only way to move forward in life and it just so happens that a brand-new horror/sci-fi flick on the market, explores all of those elements in a fascinating manner in The Return.

Now in this particular film, we meet a brilliant college student named Rodger who is reluctantly returning home with his girlfriend Beth and best friend Jordan. And the only reason he’s agreed to return to a place that is filled with bad memories, the kind that involve the death of his sister and mother… is because his father has passed away as well, and his affairs must be settled. But with his girlfriend and bestie at his side, he should be able to handle the bevy of bad memories that await him in this place. But just when it seems as though he will be able to move on in peace after learning that he stands to inherit everything, strange occurrences around the house leave him wondering if his father died of natural causes or something more and an investigation into such matters, will bring about more unwholesome memories and a truth that Rodger might not be able to reconcile.

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Which is a plot that, quite frankly, is the perfect way to handle exploring the power of the past, and how difficult it can be to return to a toxic environment. Because as mentioned, this is a house of horrors for Rodger, one filled to the brim with sour memories and dark moments and by arming himself with people he cares for, his new family if you will... he is bravely facing the darkest corners of yesterday. Which is a beautifully subtle way to speak to the viewer about how important it is to stand tall in the face of yesterday and confront and settle our demons. But of course, this being a spooky flick, it has more to offer than mere emotional moments for Rodger to deal with, since it is also revealed in this film that he has repressed memories. The kind that harbor some dark truths about his family's time in this house and that in turn makes this a haunted house movie as well.
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Because the strange occurrences in this abode are indeed related to a sort of spirit within the house’s walls, and Rodger's missing memories also involve this mysterious apparition and all of that brings forth a bevy of creepy moments. The kind where there is a genuine sense of danger surrounding the new occupants of this home and where eventually the stakes are raised when this apparition becomes angry and violent. But truly, what allows for this aspect of the story to truly shine, are the origins of this spirit. Because the truth behind it, is supremely unique and surprising in every way. To the point where we won’t spoil that particular detail here in the slightest, because you honestly need to experience the shock of it firsthand.

For it really is quite the original twist for certain and that left turn, alongside the other elements present in this story, make this quite the satisfying watch when all is said and done. Because you cannot go wrong with a horror film that offers up incredible depth on a fascinating and poignant topic and a wonderful surprise. Plus, it also features solid acting all around since Richard Harmon (Rodger) and Sara Thompson (Beth) and Echo Anderson (Jordan), provide the viewer with earnest performances that feature wonderful gravity and well, in the end, if you’re looking for a solid horror/sci-fi flick to get lost within, then hop online and give The Return a look. You’ll be glad you did, because this one is quite the entertaining and engrossing ride.

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