Review: The Lost Daughter

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Leda (Olivia Colman) is a professor on holiday in Greece. She becomes fascinated with a young mother, Nina (Dakota Johnson) which triggers memories of her younger self (Jessie Buckley) and the trials of motherhood. 

Olivia Colman can really do no wrong at this point. She's fantastic in everything and this is another film where she knocks it out of the park. To say Leda is complex is an understatement. When we meet her, she could be any awkward woman in her 40's just going about her business. But we learn quickly just how being a mother has shaped her and the hardships she's faced. If you're a parent, think of all those frustrating moments you've had. You love your kids, but you want them to just chillthefuckout and give you a minute of peace. That's basically what Buckley's version of Leda deals with every day, and Colman's version is what she's made into. Buckley is also very good as young Leda. Johnson I still think is kind of awkward on screen, but she's not bad. 

This is director Maggie Gyllenhaal's debut, and for the most part she's great behind the camera. She tends to overuse close up shots. I get she was going to intimate but it got fairly irritating after a while. She also wrote the screenplay, which is far stronger. The film flows well. There's a few awkward moments here and there but overall it works very well.

And at one point happy Ed Harris shows up to cook octopus. That sounds pretty fantastic to me.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "I don't know why." - Leda (Olivia Colman)


Comments

  1. DellJanuary 3, 2022 at 1:55 PM

    Haven't seen this one yet, but I agree Olivia Colman is great in everything.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 4, 2022 at 7:39 AM

      She is! This one is a bit of a downer but worth the watch.

      Delete
  2. thevoid99January 3, 2022 at 3:52 PM

    I do hope to see this sometime maybe this month or next month as I just want to express my support for Maggie as I'm glad she's getting raves as a director. It seems like she's been more careful with the projects she's doing instead of Jake as I have to close my eyes every time that fucking trailer for Ambulance is being shown. I get sick from watching Michael Bay trailers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 4, 2022 at 7:39 AM

      Ambulance is the most unapologetically Michael Bay trailer I've ever seen that I almost have to respect it. lol. I agree about Maggie, she seems to have a good eye as a director. I can't wait to see what she does next.

      Delete
  3. keith71_98January 4, 2022 at 12:55 PM

    I'm a fan of this movie and I'm completely with you on Colman. Saw this on the big screen back in November and it really brought out different elements of Gyllenhaal's directing style. Can't wait to see what she does next.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 4, 2022 at 9:16 PM

      Yes! I'm here for all the Colman praise. I just started her mini series on HBO Max, The Landscapers

      Delete

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