The Returning (1990): cast, story & where to watch

1990 · Film · ★ 7.5

The Returning poster

Released in 1990, The Returning is a thriller and horror film directed by John Day, running about 98 minutes. “An obsessive ghost love story” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A successful city lawyer abandons his practice and heads out to the country. There he comes upon a stately, but neglected, homestead. He moves in, and during his first night a beautiful ghostly woman makes love to him, in his sleep. Soon his dreams become more engrossing than his everyday world and girlfriend. Gradually he unravels the tragedy of his spirit lovers' past. To respond to her call, he needs to embrace the hearafter.

Who’s in it. The Returning stars Phillip Gordon as Alan Steadman, Alison Routledge as Jessica Scott, Max Cullen as Father Donohue and Jim Moriarty as George, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.5/10, The Returning has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Returning page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Returning tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Returning (1990)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Returning change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Returning worth watching?
The Returning holds an audience score of 7.5 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and horror. Most viewers rate it highly.
Who stars in The Returning?
The Returning stars Phillip Gordon, Alison Routledge, Max Cullen, Jim Moriarty and John Ewart.
When was The Returning released?
The Returning was released in 1990, with a runtime of about 98 minutes.