Cast
View AllRichard Harmon
as Rodger Emmerlich
Sara Thompson
as Beth Struman
Marina Stephenson Kerr
as Henrietta Cox
Kristen Sawatzky
as Entity
Erik Athavale
as Oswald Emmerlich
Echo Porisky
as Jordan Hasbury
Callie Lane
as Teen Jordan
Maclean Fish
as Teen Rodger Emmerlich
Keaton Fish
as Young Rodger Emmerlich
Jaydee-Lynn McDougall
as Tanya
Zoe Fish
as Amelia Emmerlich
Gwendolyn Collins
as Esme Emmerlich
Crew
Director
- BJ Verot
Writer
- BJ Verot
- Ken Janssens
Producer
- BJ Verot
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Return presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director BJ Verot brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Return took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: September 5, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch

