The Lost Daughter says a lot with very little. It never spells itself out but is still rich with symbols, motifs, and messages. The story covers many themes related to motherhood: the loss of individuality, the unfair expectations to instinctively welcome it, and the psychological toll it can take. Meanwhile, The Lost Daughter is powered by its vivid acting. Colman, Johnson, and Buckley all bring true vulnerability and complexity to their performances, creating an experience that is both painfully intimate and completely natural. Colman, in particular, conveys impressive internal conflict with minute expressions and posturing.
Furthermore, The Lost Daughter possesses excellent filmmaking from first-time director Maggie Gyllenhaal. Visually, there are many POVs and close-ups, which is very personal. The editing blends the past into the present like a dream. The sound is encompassing and often mixes multiple moments into one. Plus, the music is minimal but reoccurs at key points to emphasize their significance. Overall, it's a potent combination of techniques that unite into a journey so intimate, it feels like a stolen memory. Thanks to Gyllenhaal's focused direction, Colman's raw performance, and the honest script, The Lost Daughter is a triumph.
Writing: 9/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.4/10
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