The Lost Daughter (2021)
“I’m an unnatural mother.” – Leda.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Directed by: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Written by: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Elena Ferrante
Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Dakota Johnson, Ed Harris
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s adaption of Elena Ferrante’s novel is a slow and depressing portrait of motherhood. That doesn’t mean it’s terrible…it’s just…slow and depressing.
When middle-aged divorcee Leda (Colman) goes on a beach vacation to Greece, she meets a young mother (Johnson), her small child, and her increasingly suspicious family. This triggers flashbacks to Leda’s own tainted maternal experience.
With mostly close-up, handheld shots and very little cinematic flair, Gyllenhaal plays it safe in her directorial debut, ensuring that the film remains a character piece focussed on Leda. This is her story, and therefore the performances from the actress(es) playing Leda need to be engaging.
And that’s why you watch this film – the sparkling performances of Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. Colman has received her plaudits and is rightfully accepted now as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, but Buckley was the best actress in this film. I REALLLY want her to win Best Supporting Actress for this (she won’t, but a boy can dream).
And that’s basically it – if you like good acting and depressing drama, you’ll like this. But as the content does lend itself to extensive first person monologues, it feels like the story would be better communicated through a book.
Hmmm…if only there was a book versio….oh wait.
There is.
Rating: 6.5/10