The Return (2003)
Kernel Score: 81% · 686 ratings
Genres: Drama, Mystery
Released: 2003-06-25
Runtime: 111 minutes
Where to watch The Return
- Rent: Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Two young brothers in contemporary Russia are reunited with a father they know only from an old photograph after his sudden return from a long absence. With their mother’s reluctant consent, they set out on a remote trip that quickly becomes an uneasy test of authority, trust, and masculinity. As the journey moves deeper into the wilderness, the fragile bonds between father and sons are pushed to their limits.
The Return parents' guide: ages 13+
Parents need to know that The Return is a Russian drama about two boys reunited with an absent, authoritarian father on a tense wilderness trip.
- Violence & scariness: Some — An abusive, authoritarian father figure creates a tense and at times physically intimidating dynamic with his sons.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Return
If you liked The Return, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- My Own Private Idaho (1991) — 79%
- Nebraska (2013) — 83%
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- Forever Strong (2008) — 79%
- Green Book (2018) — 90%
- The Swimming Pool (1969) — 79%
- Happy Together (1997) — 87%
- Y Tu Mamá También (2001) — 85%
Director
Cast
- Vladimir Garin as Andrey
- Konstantin Lavronenko as Father
- Nataliya Vdovina as Mother
- Ivan Dobronravov as Ivan
- Lazar Dubovik as Hooligan
- Lyubov Kazakova as Girl in the Mirror
- Galina Petrova as Grandmother
- Aleksey Suknovalov as Zavodila
- Andrey Sumin as Man at Port
- Elizaveta Aleksandrova as Olya
The Return FAQ
Is The Return good?
The Return has an 81% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 686 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Return?
In the US you can rent it from Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Return OK for kids?
Fresh Kernels suggests ages 13+. Parents need to know that The Return is a Russian drama about two boys reunited with an absent, authoritarian father on a tense wilderness trip.
What movies are like The Return?
If you liked The Return, try My Own Private Idaho, Nebraska, This Boy's Life and Forever Strong.