DramaThriller

The Lost Daughter

Movie Trailer

Release Date
December 31, 2021

Genre
Drama, Psychological Thriller

Cast & Crew

  • Olivia Colman as Leda Caruso
  • Jessie Buckley as Young Leda
  • Dakota Johnson as Nina
  • Ed Harris as Lyle
  • Peter Sarsgaard as Professor Hardy
  • Paul Mescal as Will
  • Dagmara Domińczyk as Callie

Director
Maggie Gyllenhaal

Other Movies Director is Known For

  • The Lost Daughter marks Maggie Gyllenhaal’s directorial debut.

Producer
Talia Kleinhendler, Osnat Handelsman-Keren, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Writer
Maggie Gyllenhaal (screenplay), based on the novel The Lost Daughter by Elena Ferrante

Budget
Estimated at $5 million

Production Company
Pie Films, Faliro House Productions, Endeavor Content

Running Time
122 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

  • Strong language
  • Sexual content
  • Mature themes

Movie Story
The Lost Daughter is a haunting and introspective psychological drama that explores the complexities of motherhood, memory, and identity. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal in her feature directorial debut, the film is adapted from Elena Ferrante’s novel of the same name and follows the story of Leda Caruso (Olivia Colman), a middle-aged professor on a solitary vacation in a quiet Greek seaside town.

Leda’s peaceful retreat is disrupted when she becomes fascinated—and increasingly obsessed—with a young mother, Nina (Dakota Johnson), and her daughter, who are vacationing with their extended family nearby. Nina’s struggles with motherhood evoke memories in Leda of her own turbulent experiences as a young mother, depicted through flashbacks with Jessie Buckley portraying a younger Leda.

As Leda’s memories resurface, the film delves into the deep-seated guilt and regret she feels over her choices as a mother. These flashbacks reveal her struggles with balancing her academic career with the demands of raising two young daughters, leading to feelings of resentment, suffocation, and eventually, her decision to abandon her family for a time to pursue her own desires.

The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, juxtaposing Leda’s present-day interactions with the enigmatic Nina and her family against the memories of her own past. The tension in the film builds as Leda’s fascination with Nina’s family takes on a more troubling dimension, culminating in a symbolic act of theft that serves as the film’s emotional and psychological crux.

Leda’s actions and the film’s quiet, contemplative tone raise questions about societal expectations of motherhood, the sacrifices women are expected to make, and the ways in which past choices can haunt the present. Olivia Colman delivers a nuanced performance as Leda, capturing the character’s internal conflict and complexity, while Jessie Buckley provides a compelling portrayal of Leda’s younger self, struggling under the weight of her responsibilities.

Special Effects
The Lost Daughter is a character-driven film that relies more on its performances, direction, and atmosphere than on special effects. The cinematography, by Hélène Louvart, plays a crucial role in setting the tone of the film, with its use of natural light and close-up shots creating an intimate and, at times, claustrophobic feel. The film’s visual style mirrors Leda’s psychological state, with the serene yet unsettling coastal setting reflecting her inner turmoil.

Box Office Performance
As a Netflix release, The Lost Daughter primarily reached audiences through the streaming platform, where it garnered critical acclaim and sparked widespread discussion for its unflinching exploration of motherhood and female identity. The film’s success was marked by its reception during awards season, where it received multiple nominations and accolades.

Filming Locations

  • Spetses, Greece

Notable Quotes

  • “I’m an unnatural mother.” – Leda Caruso
  • “Children are a crushing responsibility.” – Leda Caruso
  • “I’m going to tell you about a time when I was very, very happy. It was during the worst days of my life.” – Leda Caruso

Behind-the-Scenes
The Lost Daughter marked Maggie Gyllenhaal’s transition from acting to directing, and she received widespread praise for her handling of the film’s complex themes and character dynamics. Gyllenhaal’s adaptation of Ferrante’s novel was noted for its fidelity to the source material while also bringing a distinct cinematic vision to the story. Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Leda was lauded for its depth and vulnerability, while Jessie Buckley’s performance as young Leda added layers to the character’s backstory. The film’s intimate setting and focus on character interactions allowed Gyllenhaal to explore the nuances of the story in a deeply personal way.

Awards

  • Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Actress – Olivia Colman, Best Supporting Actress – Jessie Buckley, Best Adapted Screenplay – Maggie Gyllenhaal)
  • Won the Venice Film Festival’s Best Screenplay Award (Maggie Gyllenhaal)
  • Nominated for 4 BAFTA Awards (including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress in a Leading Role – Olivia Colman)

Final Verdict
The Lost Daughter is a powerful and thought-provoking film that delves into the darker, often unspoken aspects of motherhood and personal identity. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s assured direction, combined with standout performances from Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, makes this a compelling and emotionally resonant drama. The film’s exploration of regret, guilt, and the complexities of maternal relationships will leave a lasting impact, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories with psychological depth.

IMDb Rating
6.7/10

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