The Lost Daughter - A Netflix Movie Review

Trust me when I say that she is no ordinary mother.

Based on the novel written by Elena Ferrante, The Lost Daughter was released to Netflix in 2021. Going away on a holiday, a woman and her young child catch Leda’s attention. Recalling memories of her own time in motherhood, Leda gets caught up in a scandal.

The Lost Daughter has multiple interpretations starting with the title. It’s better that you know little about a film before watching it. Studying a variety of themes, the film’s direction was excellent. Our decisions are what life is all about.

Olivia Colman has become an exceptional actress. From what I have seen her in, Colman conveys a remarkable depth of ranges. Leda is a complicated woman. Just by her expressive countenance alone, Colman dictated a well-deserved nomination for best actress.

The Lost Daughter has a strong cast of women. Dakota Johnson is another notable actress. As a struggling young mother who is unsure of what she wants, the women create an unlikely bond discovering a connection.

Jessie Buckley deserves more recognition. She is really starting to come into her own as an actress. Playing Leda at a younger age, I’m impressed with Buckley’s study to mimic Colman’s reactions. Struggling in the role of a mother to her two daughters, Buckley excelled in her character’s difficult emotions.

Every actor in The Lost Daughter has an integral role in the story. Credits include Ed Harris, Paul Mescal, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Panos Koronis, and Peter Sarsgaard. Credit also goes to child actors Robyn Elwell, Ellie Mae Blake, and Athena Martin Anderson. Children's roles have a pivotal duty in all films.

Cinematography and editing play as a character of their own. The camera focused on the smallest of details, including background moments. Capturing nice shots of the island, The Lost Daughter establishes between two moods. First, we’re enjoying this refreshing time on the island until feeling unwelcome. A sense of foreboding music drifts in the background.

Without the direction of Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Lost Daughter would not have been put on its feet. At the request of Ferrante, she wanted a woman to direct this film. As one of my favorite actresses, Gyllenhaal masters a dramatic vision of a story in her debut.

The message tests all audiences. Even the most subtle of scenes last only a minute. Gyllenhaal’s close-handed work conquered symbolism for her well-deserved best director nomination. She did an excellent job with the camera work, studying emotions.

All women have different definitions and opinions when it comes to motherhood. Women's roles have changed. We don’t have to agree with the actions of the characters. The Lost Daughter is the best representation of adulthood. I’m still in my 20s but certain themes stuck with me. Make your life what you want it to be.

Although it wasn’t a focus, independence is a huge theme in the film. Never be afraid to go on a vacation on your own. You should be comfortable with being alone. Independence is a virtue. You never know what you’ll discover or whom you will meet on your adventures.

The Lost Daughter is a deep and dark film. Some parts of it were drawn out and incorporated too many flashback scenes. The flashback scenes could have been limited because they started to overpower the story. Some scenes don't go anywhere. Having said that, it’s a film that you should watch. It will make you think.

Look for The Lost Daughter on Netflix. It is a must-see, especially with awards season arriving. It will keep you guessing until the very end.