The Lost Daughter
Something is wrong for Leda, who is trying to relax on her working holiday. She can’t seem to shake off the ghosts of her past . . . the memories of an earlier family life weigh heavily on her shoulders. First time director Maggie Gyllenhaal tackles Elena Ferrante 2006 book to tell a story of the female experience that features the uncomfortable reality of being a mother.
For Leda, her eyes are drawn to Nina, her young daughter and her beloved doll. This young girl awakens a forgotten past in Leda as she starts to think about her own children, Martha and Bianca, in flashbacks of her younger self, played by Jessie Buckley. Throughout the piece, Colman becomes bitter, angry and deliciously selfish.
Gyllenhaal’s vision is impressive, with intense close-up shots and awkward angles. Complemented with a beautiful score by former Tindersticks member Dickon Hinchliffe. The 2-hour running time feels rather too bloated and it suffers towards the end . . . I think the story would’ve worked well in just 90 minutes, but I do find that Netflix allows directors to be a little self-indulgent with their work. Having said that, the performances are fabulous, particularly Olivia Coleman who just get better & better.
This is a very sophisticated and seductive piece. Slightly uncomfortable, with a sad study of the ups & downs of motherhood. The film is showing in some cinemas and is available to stream on Netflix.
