Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
‘RETURN’ follows Torstein Horgmo, Mikey Ciccarelli, Mons Røisland, Brandon Cocard, Brandon Davis, and Raibu Katayama as they push the boundaries of what can be accomplished snowboarding when innovative minds join forces.
A snowboard documentary following elite athletes pushing creative boundaries, RETURN delivers stunning visual footage of progressive riding with high production value cinematography that captures both the athleticism and artistry of the sport. The collaborative concept of innovative minds joining forces gives it a modest narrative hook, though the plot structure follows familiar documentary conventions in the genre. Acting is not really applicable in the traditional sense, but on-camera presence and authenticity among the athletes is solid if unremarkable. The novelty sits in the middle—it distinguishes itself through its ensemble approach and the caliber of riders, but action sports documentaries of this ilk have an established template. The ending rounds out the inspirational arc satisfactorily without being particularly memorable.