H. T. Davey Reviews

Review by H. T. Davey

The Lost Daughter (2021)

★★★★

Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal

If you’re into open endings, motherhood flashbacks and a Greek vacation, this film is for you. The directorial debut of American actress Maggie Gyllenhaal explores motherhood in a dramatic psychological thriller, with an ending that will have you pondering questions and ignite interest in this unique new film.

Leda, a Middle-aged English translation Professor, is on a holiday in Greece enjoying the lovely sun, when suddenly her vacation is interrupted by the large Italian family of a young mother, Nina (played by Dakota Johnson), and her daughter. This causes a series of events which reminisces Leda into her own motherhood of her two daughters 20 years prior.

We learn quickly that Leda abandoned her 8 and 5-year-old daughters for three years, only visiting them when she ‘missed them’. This revelation comes after a series of events where Nina loses her daughter on the beach for a short period, before finding and returning her. This causes Leda to steal the child’s favourite doll, a similar doll Leda had when she was younger. We then explore Nina’s family, her relationship with her controlling husband, and her encompassing affair with Will, the bar assistant. The doll Leda stole plays a large part in this film, particularly the ending.

This film explores motherhood in an interesting perspective; from two mothers who are struggling with the idea of motherhood and its meaning. The tale is split and told in the present from Leda’s perspective, However, we also see many flashbacks which provide a deeper insight into Leda’s past. These flashback sequences can become intrusive towards the present story, taking away the moments and scenes in the present story. This however doesn’t change the impact of the overall tone of the film, which stays consistent, helped by the brilliant acting of Johnson and Coleman.

This film has been nominated for many awards thus far, including Maggie Gyllenhaal being nominated for Best Director at the Golden Globe Awards. A great first film for Gyllenhaal and we can’t wait to see what is next for her in her acting and directing career.