The Returned

Question 1

What genre is The Returned?

Answer 1

The Returned is difficult to categorise by genre - it has elements of supernatural horror however it could also be classified as a drama series. The fluidity with its genre adds to its enigma hence it can be considered as a series of mystery and suspense. Some might also describe it as dystopian fiction

Question 2

What are some of the basic visual codes of The Returned?

Answer 2

• Dark colour schemes, filming for the show specifically took place after 4pm to achieve the dusky aesthetic
• The promotional posters are very enigmatic, the characters show a lack of facial expressions as if they are dead behind the eyes
• The images (e.g, dam and landscape) are very aesthetically pleasing and tranquil. This juxtaposes the storyline of people rising from the dead and the dystopian narrative

Question 3

What is the basic idea of Neale’s genre theory?

Answer 3

Genre is recognisable, but changes over time as it shares characteristics from other genres

Question 4

What is a general outline of the narrative for the set episode of The Returned?

Answer 4

• The dead returning
• Destruction and disruption in society (Todorovian disruption)
• Binary oppositions of living vs dead, past vs present, outsider vs community
• Flashbacks to previous existence
  (also binary opposition)
• Engimatic chil - Victor
• Blank stares, reinforces motif of death and dullness

Question 5

The Returned is about people rising from the dead so audiences may initially consider it as a Zombie movie. What are the typical conventions and associations of the zombie genre?

Answer 5

• Dark colour schemes
• Blood/gore
• ‘Apocalypse storyline’
• Far fetched
• Disease
• Primal sounds/absence of distinct language
• Dystopian setting
• Groups of heroic humans defending humanity
• Lack of restored equilibrium