Return of the Hero

Return of the Hero

Year: 2018

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: French

Director: Laurent Tirard

ComedyHistory

France, 1809. Captain Neuville is called to the front, leaving his future bride heartbroken. Her sister decides to write letters on his behalf to cheer her up.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Return of the Hero yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Return of the Hero (2018)

Trace every key event in Return of the Hero (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Engagement and suspicion

Neuville proposes to Pauline Beaugrand and the couple become engaged in the Burgundy countryside during the Napoleonic Wars. Élisabeth immediately suspects that the captain is a liar and a fraud, casting doubt on the budding romance. The tension between appearances and truth drives the early conflict.

Before the wedding Burgundy countryside
2

Departure with promised letters

Just before the wedding, Neuville receives orders to rejoin his hussar unit marching against Austria. He rides away, leaving Pauline behind and promising to write every day. The separation seeds doubt and longing that will linger through the story.

Just before the wedding On the road to his unit
3

Forging letters to comfort a fiancé

As weeks pass without letters, Pauline falls ill with worry. To cheer her up, Élisabeth begins forging letters from Neuville, masking his absence with invented adventures. The deception marks the beginning of a painful family ruse.

Weeks after departure Pauline's home, Burgundy
4

India myth grows after campaign

Following the Austrian campaign, Élisabeth's forged letters claim Neuville has been posted to India. They describe him fighting the British, growing tobacco, and even raising elephants. The increasingly elaborate tale feeds the town's imagination and deepens the deception.

After the Austrian campaign Élisabeth's home, Burgundy
5

The lie peaks and letters stop

Tiring of the subterfuge, Élisabeth writes that Neuville is engaged in what may be his last battle, and then the letters stop. Pauline is left in uncertainty again, doubting what she is told and what she feels. The ruse has become a double-edged weapon in their lives.

After the campaign; letters stop Élisabeth's home, Burgundy
6

Pauline marries Nicolas

Pauline marries the shy neighbour Nicolas and soon has two children. The quiet family life contrasts with the earlier intrigue. The community treats Neuville's supposed adventures as a distant memory.

After Pauline's marriage Burgundy countryside
7

Neuville reappears as a derelict

In town one day, Élisabeth spots a stinking vagrant who turns out to be Neuville. He admits he is a penniless deserter, and she gives him money to go away. He uses the money to clean up and visits Élisabeth's family, returning as a compelling, dangerous figure.

In town Town, Burgundy
8

Diamond mine tale and a growing betrayal

Neuville reveals a diamond mine in India and starts offering shares, captivating the locals with his tall tale. He is also described as defrauding local landowners and, to complicate things, begins an affair with Pauline. The web of lies and desire tightens around them all.

After his return Town, Burgundy
9

Fury over deception and a pistol duel

Élisabeth is furious when she learns of Neuville's deception and the affair; she tells Nicolas. Nicolas, an excellent shot, challenges Neuville to a pistol duel as a test of pride. The feud between them escalates toward a dangerous confrontation.

After the affair begins Élisabeth's home, Burgundy
10

Duel postponed by Pauline's interruption

Pauline bursts in on the planned duel, and Nicolas takes her home, postponing the fight. Neuville breathes a sigh of relief, unsure how long the deception can survive. The delay postpones a potentially deadly blow to his schemes.

Duel day Beaugard vicinity
11

Lunch with the general and looming danger

An artillery regiment arrives in the area to stop marauding Cossacks, and a general comes to lunch with Élisabeth's parents at Beaugard's house. Neuville's stories enchant the general, who later leaves as the enemy closes in. Russian cavalry line up to attack Beaugard's house, heightening the peril.

Luncheon before attack Beaugard's house, Burgundy
12

Neuville faces the attack and returns a hero

Neuville decides to face the charge and stands his ground, firing his rifle to bring down several opponents. The artillery finds their range and devastaes the attackers, leaving Neuville a celebrated hero. He is reinstated in his regiment.

During the Russian assault Beaugard's house
13

Wedding interrupted again; a final departure

Élisabeth at last agrees to marry Neuville, but the wedding is interrupted when he receives orders to rejoin his unit. He rides away again, promising to write every day as the story moves toward its uncertain end.

Wedding day Beaugard vicinity

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 13:04

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Return of the Hero

Don't stop at just watching — explore Return of the Hero in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Return of the Hero is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Return of the Hero Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Return of the Hero, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Return of the Hero Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Return of the Hero

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Return of the Hero. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Return of the Hero

Return of the Hero Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Return of the Hero that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Return of the Hero Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Return of the Hero

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Return of the Hero: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Return of the Hero

Similar Movies to Return of the Hero

Discover movies like Return of the Hero that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.