The Return on France 4: Catherine Corsini’s drama aired Thursday night

The Return, the drama by Catherine Corsini shown in the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival 2023, airs on France 4 on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 9:00 PM. released in cinemas on July 12, 2023, the film will also be available for 7 days on france.tv.

The Return
French film | 2023
Broadcast on France 4: Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Available for 7 days on france.tv
Drama | Runtime: 1h45
Directed by Catherine Corsini | Starring Aïssatou Diallo Sagna, Suzy Bemba, Esther Gohourou, Cédric Appietto, Harold Orsoni, Virginie Ledoyen, Denis Podalydès

In The Return, Khedidja works for a well-off Parisian family who offer her the chance to look after their children for a summer in Corsica. The opportunity brings her back to the island with her two daughters, Jessica and Farah, fifteen years after she left under tragic circumstances.

The journey becomes a homecoming to a past long kept at bay. Khedidja reconnects with places she once left behind, while her daughters uncover a piece of their family history. Jessica strives to chart a new social path for herself, and Farah, a more impulsive teenager, spends the summer testing the limits and the ties that bind her.

With this family drama, Catherine Corsini continues to make cinema focused on intimate tensions, social dynamics, and the secrets that weigh on the characters. The film lands after La Fracture, awarded the Queer Palm, and signals the director’s return to competition at Cannes.

The film centers on its standout female trio: Aïssatou Diallo Sagna as Khedidja, Suzy Bemba as Jessica, and Esther Gohourou as Farah. Virginie Ledoyen and Denis Podalydès appear in supporting roles.

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This broadcast on France 4 may appeal to viewers drawn to contemporary French dramas, family sagas, and stories of returning to one’s roots. It’s less suited for those seeking a light comedy or an action-packed film to kick off the evening.

At its big-screen premiere, our review praised a touching film, even with a few drawbacks, carried by a strong cast, especially Suzy Bemba and Esther Gohourou, the breakout talents of the feature.

Trailer for The Return

The official trailer for Le Retour follows Khedidja and her two daughters as they return to Corsica, navigating summer holidays, family secrets, and social tensions.

To go further, also check out our picks of films, series and shows to watch on TV this week, our guide to releases across all platforms, and today’s pick: what to watch today on streaming.

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