The Lost Daughter

Directed and written by Maggie Gyllenhaal is this adaptation of Elna Ferrante’s novel. Olivia Colman is Leda a literature professor on a working holiday on a Greek island. Her peaceful beach rest is shattered when a large family arrive loud, brash and rude. Things change when one of the group Nina’s (Dakota Johnson) daughter vanishes from the beach. Finding her doesn’t end the stress, as the loss of her doll upsets both her and the whole family. As Nina struggles to handle what’s going on around her. This triggers memories from Leda’s own life her own challenges bringing up her girls and the impact of some of her decisions on all of their lives.

The Lost Daughter is a complex, interesting and thoughtful look at sadness, regret and the pressures posed by the idea of “the natural” mother. It is built around a stunning performance by Olivia Colman who engages completely every minute she’s on screen a character with a past, an internal strife and desperation that never quite reaches the surface. She is more than ably supported by those around her and none more than by the increasingly impressive Jessie Buckley as the young Leda. Buckley potrays brilliantly her struggles as she battles with the desire for a career and a life against the expectations of motherhood. Dakota Johnson completes the trio of impressive leads as Nina, a reflection for Leda of her younger self, equally struggling with the expectations of motherhood.

The Lost Daughter is a complex story, it moves patiently without grandstanding. Everything is subtle and delivered via understated, excellent performances. Which really worked for me.

The Lost Daughter is complex and deals with a lot and its pacing and unclear narrative may put some off which would be a huge pity. Because you’ll miss a beautiful piece of storytelling, lit up by a skilled cast, lead by a fabulously nuanced and layered performance from Colman. There is a lot to recommended this, but if nothing else sways you, seeing Colman at her very best should be enough.