Return to Me

Kelli is a young mother shattered by the sudden death of her infant to SIDS, and she withdraws from her former life until her days are lived out of a car. Grief narrows her world, and routine becomes survival. On a stretch of highway she meets Esther, a teen mother trying to hold on to hope while raising a child, and the two form an uneasy but honest bond. They travel across the American West, sharing responsibilities, arguments, and small comforts, and slowly they learn to carry their loss without letting it define every moment. The film stays intimate, focusing on their daily rhythms rather than plot twists.

Released in 2022, the movie was directed by Benjamin Ironside Koppin. It’s a small, independent drama that stars Every Heart as Kelli and Kodi Lane as Esther, with supporting turns from Louis Anthoni Soriano, John Flanders, and Ainah Lagrimas.

There are no widely reported box office figures for Return to Me, suggesting a limited theatrical push or festival and digital distribution. It appears to have reached audiences mainly through smaller venues and online platforms, rather than a broad commercial release.

Critical coverage and audience response are sparse, with a reported vote average of 0.0 out of 10 based on no votes at the time of this listing. Reviews that do exist tend to note the film’s focus on grief, maternal bonds, and the practicalities of survival; reactions vary based on how viewers respond to its slow, observational pacing and its emphasis on character over plot.

The film hasn’t registered a major cultural footprint, but it may resonate with viewers who’ve experienced loss or who appreciate low-key, character-driven stories. Its road settings and plainspoken performances give it a subdued, realistic feel that could stick with audiences looking for an unvarnished look at mourning and small acts of care.