Return (2011)

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In the ending of the movie "Return," the protagonist, Kelli, struggles with her reintegration into civilian life after returning from deployment. She faces emotional turmoil and a sense of disconnection from her family and friends. Ultimately, Kelli's unresolved trauma leads her to a breaking point, and she makes a choice to leave her family behind, symbolizing her inability to reconcile her past experiences with her present life.

As the film draws to a close, Kelli is seen driving away from her home, leaving behind her husband and children, suggesting a profound sense of loss and the weight of her internal battles.

In the final scenes of "Return," the narrative unfolds with Kelli, portrayed by Linda Cardellini, grappling with the aftermath of her military service. The film captures her emotional state as she attempts to reintegrate into her life as a wife and mother.

Scene by scene, we witness Kelli's struggle. The tension is palpable as she sits at the dinner table with her husband, Mike, and their two children. The atmosphere is strained; Kelli's eyes dart around the room, her mind clearly elsewhere. She is physically present but emotionally distant, a stark contrast to the warmth of family life that surrounds her. Mike tries to engage her in conversation, but Kelli's responses are short and distracted, revealing her internal conflict and the weight of her experiences.

As the days pass, Kelli's disconnection deepens. She visits her old friends, but the camaraderie they once shared feels foreign to her now. The laughter and light-heartedness of their interactions only serve to highlight her isolation. Kelli's attempts to fit back into her old life are met with frustration; she feels like a ghost in her own world. The film visually emphasizes her alienation through close-up shots of her face, capturing the turmoil behind her eyes.

In a pivotal moment, Kelli attends a support group for veterans. Here, she confronts her feelings of anger and sadness, but the session only scratches the surface of her pain. The other veterans share their stories, and while Kelli listens, she remains silent, unable to articulate her own struggles. This moment underscores her isolation, as she feels unable to connect even with those who have shared similar experiences.

The climax of Kelli's emotional journey occurs when she has a confrontation with Mike. They argue about her inability to engage with their children and her reluctance to seek help. Kelli's frustration boils over, and she lashes out, revealing her deep-seated fears and insecurities. This scene is charged with raw emotion, showcasing the strain that her military service has placed on their marriage.

As the film approaches its conclusion, Kelli reaches a breaking point. In a moment of clarity, she realizes that she cannot continue living in a world that feels so disconnected from her reality. The decision to leave is not made lightly; it is a culmination of her internal struggles and the realization that she cannot be the person her family needs her to be.

In the final scene, Kelli is seen driving away from her home, her expression a mix of sorrow and determination. The camera lingers on her face, capturing the conflict within her as she leaves behind her husband and children. The landscape outside the car window blurs, symbolizing her departure from the life she once knew. The film closes on this poignant image, leaving the audience with a sense of unresolved tension and the weight of Kelli's choice.

In summary, Kelli's fate is one of profound loss and the recognition of her inability to reconcile her past with her present. Mike and the children are left behind, grappling with the absence of a mother and wife who has chosen to step away from the life they built together. The ending encapsulates the film's exploration of trauma, isolation, and the challenges of reintegration, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer.

The movie "Return," produced in 2011, does not have a post-credit scene. The film concludes its narrative without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The story focuses on the emotional and psychological struggles of the main character, Kelli, as she reintegrates into her life after returning from military service. The ending leaves viewers with a sense of unresolved tension regarding Kelli's future, but there are no further scenes to explore this after the credits.

Upon returning home, Kelli faces numerous challenges that highlight her struggle to reintegrate into civilian life. She grapples with feelings of alienation and disconnection from her family and friends, particularly her parents and her younger sister. The emotional distance is palpable as Kelli tries to reconnect with her daughter, whom she has been away from for an extended period. The stark contrast between her military experiences and the mundane reality of home life creates a sense of unease and frustration for her.

Kelli's relationship with her daughter, Julie, is strained and complex. Initially, Kelli feels a deep sense of guilt and anxiety about being a mother after her absence. As she attempts to reconnect, there are moments of tenderness, but also significant tension. Kelli struggles to communicate her feelings and often feels like a stranger to her own child. The emotional distance is highlighted in scenes where Kelli tries to engage with Julie, but her daughter's confusion and resentment about Kelli's absence create barriers that are difficult to overcome.

Kelli's family plays a crucial role in her reintegration process, but their support is often fraught with misunderstanding. Her parents, while well-meaning, do not fully grasp the depth of her experiences in the military, leading to moments of frustration for Kelli. They express concern for her well-being, but their attempts to help often feel patronizing. Kelli's relationship with her sister is similarly strained; her sister's life has moved on, and Kelli feels left behind. This familial dynamic underscores Kelli's isolation and the difficulty of returning to a life that feels foreign to her.

Kelli's struggle with PTSD is highlighted through several intense incidents throughout the film. One notable scene occurs when she is startled by a loud noise, triggering a flashback to her time in combat. This moment reveals her vulnerability and the haunting memories that continue to plague her. Additionally, Kelli experiences anxiety attacks and moments of anger that disrupt her attempts to engage with her family and daily life. These incidents serve to illustrate the ongoing battle she faces with her mental health and the impact it has on her relationships.

Kelli's job search is a significant reflection of her internal struggles and her desire to find purpose after returning home. As she navigates the job market, she faces rejection and a lack of understanding from potential employers about her military background. This process exacerbates her feelings of inadequacy and frustration, as she longs to prove herself but feels increasingly lost. The scenes depicting her job interviews are filled with tension, showcasing her anxiety and the pressure she feels to succeed in a world that seems indifferent to her sacrifices.

"Return," produced in 2011, is not considered family-friendly due to its mature themes and emotional intensity. The film explores complex issues surrounding a woman's reintegration into her family and society after serving in the military, which may be difficult for children or sensitive viewers to process.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects include:

1. Emotional Distress: The protagonist experiences significant emotional turmoil, including feelings of alienation and depression, which may be unsettling for younger audiences.

2. Family Tension: There are scenes depicting strained family relationships, including conflicts and misunderstandings that can be distressing.

3. Substance Use: The film includes instances of alcohol consumption, which may not be appropriate for children.

4. Military Themes: The portrayal of military life and the challenges faced by veterans can be heavy and may evoke feelings of anxiety or sadness.

5. Isolation: The protagonist's struggle with reintegration and feelings of isolation can be intense and may resonate negatively with sensitive viewers.

Overall, the film's exploration of these themes is deep and poignant, but it may not be suitable for younger audiences or those who are particularly sensitive to such topics.