While it starts out as a normal mystery-meets-ghost story, The Return is anything but, combining science and psychology into a sci-fi paranormal rollercoaster. Without spoilers, this story goes in directions I never saw coming – and I’m pretty difficult to surprise anymore. It’s exciting to see some good old fashioned red herrings thrown into a very new concept. The Return takes classic tricks and gives them new life by using them to telegraph new ideas. 

Roger Emmerlich (Richard Harmon)’s father is dead. Left an orphan, he decides to take his girlfriend, Beth (Sara Thompson), and lifelong best friend Jordan (Echo Andersson) back to his childhood home to settle up affairs. He’s really on his own now – after the death of his sister, and the disappearance of his mother, he’s left with a lot of questions. He has no idea the kind of answers he’s in for, as he uncovers his own history, and the equations and mysteries his mother left behind.

Emmerlich gives us a brooding yet charming performance, fully embodying the pathos and subtlety of a character caught between grief and rage. To me there is nothing more heartbreaking than mourning through anger – and Emmerlich dips into that well of emotion with both hands. He is supported by Thompson and Andersson – two very different but equally committed beloveds, one fulfilling the role of girlfriend and the other the role of best friend- though at times the line blurs. The three of them have fascinating chemistry and a great rapport that really drives home the idea that they’ve all spent a lot of time together. A natural, comfortable energy gives way to suspicions and jealousy – though it’s unclear if the feelings are real, or driven by whatever horrors haunt this home.

Unfortunately, for all of the wonder of this story and the brilliance, it takes a dive into the bizarre that completely flips the aesthetic of the film and changes something serious and frightening into something strangely wistful and almost comedic in its over-the-top sci-fi dive. What starts out as a Shyamalan type horror turns into an episode of Doctor Who. It’s that jarring, and that startling. Sure, Shyamalan does twists – but this is different. Even so The Return wraps up nicely, with just enough mystery to get people talking and debating as they leave the movie.

The Return provides startling scares, some fantastically frightening entities, and a psychologically disturbing series of reveals that keep you on your toes from start to finish. Already winning awards, this fresh and frightening experience is sure to be a fan favorite that’ll surprise audiences for years to come.

7 out of 10