Written By Ally Abruscato, Featured Image courtesy of Ally Abruscato
If you’re looking for a film to make you uncomfortable in the best way, “The Lost Daughter” is for you. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut left me feeling, to put it lightly, emotionally destroyed.
At the start of the film, 48-year-old Leda, played by Academy Award winner Olivia Coleman, enjoys a seemingly innocent vacation in Italy. As time passes, memories from her days as a young mother are revealed in an often not so pleasant light. Through her awkward interactions with a large New York Italian family, Leda is forced to remember her questionable parenting decisions. By witnessing Nina, a young mother played by Dakota Johnson, and her daughter Elena, Leda has frequent flashbacks to her relationship with her children.
Through constant time jumps that mirror the style of the 2019 film “Little Women,” the viewer uncovers more and more about Leda’s life as a mother. Her struggles and fears are depicted beautifully by Coleman and her younger self, Jessie Buckley. Their acting forms a connection with the viewer on a deeper level which allows for a more realistic experience. As a result, the emotions they portray are felt in a more profound and true form.
The moments of joy in the film, although few and far between, radiate through the screen and leave the audience with a good laugh. The times of anger allow the viewer to understand the pain and sorrow below the surface, leaving them feeling heavy and uncomfortable. The relationship between the actresses and the audience runs so deep that one can see themselves and their families throughout the film. It truly reflects reality which is one of the reasons why it feels so meaningful.
I was truly impressed by the work of everyone involved in the making of “The Lost Daughter.” Each actor and cast member behind the scenes did an incredible job in creating a realistic and heartbreaking film. I left the theater with a strong desire to give my mom a hug. Now that the movie has been released, I strongly suggest everyone see it when they can!
