t’s a haunting, primal first feature about two young brothers and the reappearance of their long-absent father.

Eschewing the fantastical voyages not only allows Pasolini to ground his version of the story in a more realistic setting but brings the psychology of the characters to the fore.

The main draw is the cast, with Ralph Fiennes sinewy and racked by self-doubt and guilt as Odysseus, returned from war after a 20-year absence, and a compelling turn from Juliette Binoche as Penelope. Both are terrific, but Binoche is the standout.

Ralph Fiennes is a stoic figure full of lamentation in this contemplative, almost dreamy depiction of Odysseus' return to Ithaca to reclaim his kingdom after the Trojan War.