Darkland: The Return
Plot
In the midst of chaos and revenge, Dr. Zaid is forced to confront his own demons as he delves deeper into the dark underbelly of Copenhagen's criminal underworld. Seven years have passed since Zaid embarked on a brutal crusade to avenge his brother's murder, a quest that left him scarred and forever changed. As the memories of his past struggles begin to resurface, Zaid is torn between his desire for retribution and his longing to reclaim his life as a respected doctor and devoted family man. His dual identities - one as a ruthless avenger and another as a caring father and husband - have become increasingly tenuous, threatening to destroy the fragile balance he has established. As Zaid navigates the treacherous landscape of Copenhagen's criminal elite, he finds himself facing off against familiar foes and new adversaries alike. His own demons, however, prove to be his most formidable opponents as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions and the true cost of his quest for vengeance. In this gripping and intense thriller, Zaid must confront the darkness within himself and make a choice between redemption and ruin. Will he find a way to reconcile his past and present selves, or will the shadows of his past consume him entirely?
Reviews
Audrey
Premiering in 2003, just 12 years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, "The Return," with its tale of resurging and collapsing power embodied in the personalities of the two sons, inevitably invites deeper thought. While the allegorical nature of various aspects feels a bit forceful, as a debut film, it exhibits remarkable maturity. The long takes, color palette, and score all convey a sense of confidence and an almost omnipotent, godlike perspective. Zvyagintsev truly started his career on a high note.
Charlee
I won't bore you with the political allegory. Just a heads-up for the completionists out there: steer clear of this film. The father figure digs up a box he buried long ago on that island, and the director *never* shows us what's inside before the movie ends. It's infuriating.
Sebastian
What I thought would be a sentimental tale of "absent father, eventual return, father-son conflict, and eventual reconciliation" was completely subverted in the last half hour, overturning all my assumptions. This is a "fable" that can be interpreted from multiple angles – family, politics – making it incredibly rewarding to analyze. The cinematography is also beautiful, clearly influenced by Tarkovsky, making it very pleasing to watch.
Bennett
The plot is so contrived and wooden, the themes so monotonous and superficial. Please don't try to imitate Tarkovsky. Salejev should transition to shooting thriller horror films.
Heidi
When your Adam's apple starts to show, your muscles begin to bulge, you find everything irritating, and you fight to the death, when you start to react to beautiful women, a man suddenly appears after 12 years and says, "Son, I'm your father," and slaps you if you don't listen, you'll have patricidal feelings. You must have patricidal feelings. Only when this shadowy old tree crashes down can you understand love and responsibility, forever overcome your fear of heights. Andrei, Ivan, the rest of the summer is yours.
Nina
"Darkland: The Return" is a gripping revenge thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of Copenhagen's underworld. Zaid's pursuit of vengeance for his brother's death is a compelling narrative drive, but also one that slowly erodes his own identity and sense of self. As the film hurtles towards its intense conclusion, Zaid's blurred lines between doctor and avenger raise questions about the cost of revenge and the true meaning of justice. A gritty, intense ride that explores the darker corners of human nature.
