What Is the Story About?
Leda Caruso (Olivia Colman) is a woman in her late forties who is on a short vacation in Greece. During her stay, she encounters Nina (Dakota Johnson), a young mother. One day when Nina’s daughter goes missing, Leda finds her. Soon Leda and Nina bond over making the former recollect her days as a mother of two.
The Lost Daughter is a psychological character drama focusing on Leda Caruso. How she behaves with different people and silly yet serious acts she indulges in form the movie’s plot.
Performances?
Olivia Colman playing the middle-aged women Leda Caruso delivers a stunning act. She is superb in a role that is complex in nature. It could (and it is in parts) be quite irritating if one doesn’t express the weariness and bitter behaviour. But, Colman handles it all maturely and playfully at the same time. The many breakdowns are so naturally expressed. She just lives the part and never gives the impression of an actor.
Analysis
Maggie Gyllenhaal directs The Lost Daughter which is based on a book of the same name. It is a simple yet complex tale of a woman. On the surface level, it is relatable to anyone with a young kid(s), but it is the choices made that bring the difference.
The narrative of The Lost Daughter is all about the character study of the central character Leda Caruso. It starts when she comes to Greece for a vacation. Initially, we see how everyone treats her. People are so nice to her which is a combination of the hospitality and also her single woman status and age.
The story takes turn when Leda Caruso meets Nina and her family which includes a young daughter. It immediately triggers her memory. The first time she sees them happily enjoying at the beach, Leda breaks down. Soon, she realizes the reality underneath and that is how the relationship grows.
Besides the character study, The Lost Daughter focuses on a particular phase of a couple after having children. It is when their freedom is restricted and sex too is not the same as it used to be earlier. The phase has been neatly captured and integrated as part of the narrative smoothly (in short bursts) without it coming across as too heavy.
Still, the problem comes with the choices made by Leda Caruso. Not everyone is likely to connect to it and would find it annoying. A look at her past gives an idea as to why she behaves that way, but it isn’t readily acceptable. It is reflected via the ending which is an instant reaction without understanding or getting into details.
Overall, The Lost Daughter is an engaging character drama despite the extremely slow pace and meandering nature in parts. However, it is not meant for universal viewing and has a limited appeal. Give it a try, (for sure if you are married) if you like dramas not minding the pace.
Other Artists?
Jessie Buckley plays the young Leda Caruso. She is also adequate in the part and especially does well in conveying the exhaustion and exasperation handling of the kids. Dakota Johnson too plays a similar part, with ease and conveys the emotional pain. Ed Harris as a caring old man while also trying to win her is fine. The rest of the actors have small roles, but they all fill the space and make the narrative complete.
Music and Other Departments?
The background score by Dickon Hinchliffe is soulful and adds to the overall mood of the movie. The cinematography by Helene Louvart is alright. The many close up shots to have the narrative feel like a personal account is okay, but it feels overdone. The editing by Affonso Goncalves is good. The writing is superb and it is a significant reason along with the performances to keep one engaged.
Highlights?
Olivia Colman
Casting
Writing
Relatable Theme
Drawbacks?
Extremely Slow Pace
Initial Sequences
Meandering Narrative
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, For The Most PartWill You Recommend It?
Yes, But With ReservationsThe Lost Daughter Review by Binged Bureau
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