It's somewhat odd that of all the "Freaks And Geeks" crew, the two leads, Linda Cardellini and John Francis Daley, haven't been able to capitalize on the cult show's success on the same level its supporting players such as James Franco, Seth Rogen or Jason Segel have. Daley is now a staple on television with Fox's "Bones," but for Cardinelli, any ascension went only as far as "Legally Blonde" and the 'Scooby Doo' films.
The actress, however, has a new leading role in "Return," a post-war drama from director Liza Johnson that also co-stars Michael Shannon and John Slattery. It's not often you see war films where the males take the passenger seat, but Cardinelli will play a woman returning from a tour of duty and finding it hard to readjust, while Shannon takes on the role of her husband. Slattery, meanwhile, looks to have replaced the initially cast Tim Blake Nelson in the role of a fellow war vet who Cardinelli bonds with back home.
Johnson, who comes from the world of experimental film and art installations, previously described her intentions for the film, noting that she aims for it to be "in the tradition of films like ‘Safe’ and ‘A Woman Under the Influence,’ about strong female protagonists who don’t quite fit in with their world. Expectations and pressures are different for women — dealing with rage is harder for them and not as acceptable as it is for men.”
At the very least, "Return" sounds like a unique take on the war genre and, having been warmly received when it premiered at the Cannes Directors Fortnight last year, this might be one to keep an eye on. The film will see a limited release on February 10th, before going VOD on February 28th. Watch below. [Apple]