2.5 The Lost Daughter

This Psychological Drama, starring Olivia Colman and based upon the 2006 novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante is both written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal in her feature directorial debut.

For an actress like Olivia Coman, it only seems of late that recently over the past few years especially she's been getting and finally receiving the mainstream praise and acclaim she deserves. For an actress who mainly began and was already starting to showcase those exact signs and traits we've come to love back on popular shows such as Fleabag and Broadchurch. Until she portrayed and starred as Queen Anne in Lanthimos' film The Favourite a role she played opposite Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz. Her subsequent performance won her the Golden Globe and BAFTA Award's for Best Actress as well as an eventual Academy Award for Best Actress as her awe-struck and humorous acceptance speech won her both wide spread coverage and admiration across the media. With her since going onto to star in Netflix's The Crown as none other than Queen Elizabeth II herself in the shows subsequent third and fourth seasons. Whilst just last year she was once again earning those same exact plaudits for her supporting role in Florian Zeller's film adaptation of his stage play, The Father. Who alongside Anthony Hopkins, won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Likewise her Supporting role was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as the film earned widespread acclaim for not only their performances but also the films accurate depiction of dementia. Which now eventually takes us onto this year and her most recent release which has subsequently won her another nomination at this years 94th Academy Awards for Best Actress.

For a film which first premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, it's justifiable to see why Gyllenhaal herself won the Golden Osella for Best Screenplay. As the film began a short limited theatrical release, prior to streaming on Netflix. As far as first, directorial debuts go from Maggie Gyllenhaal, its certainly a fantastic first attempt, the overall caliber of control, detail and meticulous precision constructed throughout scenes is nothing short of impressive. As this level of control and precision is exerted beautifully upon both the actors and script itself, whilst still being nothing short of impressive, rather than what others might previously of thought. It's especially impressive for an directorial debut, as nor the actors or script itself feel contained or confined, instead the picture feels fluid and open to plenty of interpretation. Which brilliantly suits both Oliva Coman and Jessie Buckley's performances as so often you both feel, there's so much more than meets the eye and rather beneath the surface of there characters and subsequent portrayals.

Beyond the level of ambition and expertise she exercises from behind the camera, the film and overall narrative strikes an seemingly perfect balance between assurance and risk. For others it may seem flat and a little dull and tedious at times. As if there's no really direction or identity to it's story. Rather instead personally I feel there's always something that holds and grasps your attention from scene to scene, which inevitably justifies and rewards your continued commitment. It's a film that needs both a committed and patient audience, that's able to see the films longer term objectives and aspirations due to it's slow pacing and intricate narrative. If your able to comprehend all that, then what you'll receive is some deeply driven and complex characters that are as interesting as they are troubled.

It's a challenging and comprehensive story that dives deep and isn't afraid to reveal and touch upon the truly conflicting and dark corners of motherhood, that society seemingly has deemed too taboo and or forbidden to explain and express. Which you realise, that until these moments, flaws and taboo's have been forbidden it gives the audience a much needed insight and honest study at the characters true morals and motives. You can't help but feel sympathetic with Olivia Coman as it's her enclosed and emphatic portrayal that continues and keeps the film interesting and inquisitive. Whilst at the audiences core your able to recognise how it's being simultaneously open and honest about the true, quite disturbing failures of her character. Which makes for both a better bittersweet story and beautiful storytelling.

These messages and morals might not of hit home as hard, when the films true identity and backstory is revealed. As until a certain point your kept guessing and asking what that exact catch and significant event is precisely. It can arguably be said that without the direction of Maggie Gyllenhaal and especially the phenomenal performances from Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, the films exact messages and morals wouldn't of hit or been communicated as well. Olivia Coman is able to brilliantly portray such an complex and intricate character that seems to have so much hidden and deeply imbedded within. As you never feel we truly get to the bottom of what lies beneath the surface. Whilst the equally amazing Jessie Buckley has the tough task of unravelling and explaining, her later self's problems and flaws. With her having to offer at least some idea and reason for why she's acted and become the woman we later meet in Greece. She subsequently seems not to be spoken about in the same vein when compared to her counterparts performance, however her Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress has rightly recognised her utterly remarkable and inspiring performance.

For many it's a story that's deeply driven and remarkably never afraid to truly unmask and confront some of more darker and hidden truths around motherhood. If the films personally taught me anything, it's how both there is always so much more to people than meets the eye as well as, although it may appear on first glance, no one's ever truly perfect. I enjoyed it's intricate and complex plot and how best the story gradually and patiently waits to unravel and reveal it's true identity. For many I'm sure that would seem a put off, with it's slow timing and pacing being quite difficult for some to comprehend. With the film nor ceasing to give in or prevail, for those who are committed however, you'll receive a truly and for some an even relatable and extraordinary story about motherhood and what coming age and learning from mistakes is about. Whilst at it's true core we best come to terms with how Leda is just a truly problematic and complex person, for who many within her life struggle to understand. If your able to see and seek the true beauty within this compelling story then for sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did. 4/5 Stars