The ending of the year was brought on by a psychological drama, The Lost Daughter. Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, it is an adaptation of a book of the same name by Elena Ferrante. The movie stars Olivia Coleman, Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Peter Sarsgaard. The movie begins with Leda (Olivia Coleman) staggering along the beach with a stab wound in her side. She collapses and the movie cuts to the past. Leda is a Professor vacationing in Greece. She sits at the beach, peacefully, enjoying her time. But this peace is disrupted by the cacophony of a loud, large, and rude family. She looks at them with such disgust, that it is almost palpable through the screen. Even though the family and Leda exchange dagger-like glares all the time, she finds herself observing the shy, quiet Nina (Dakota Johnson). A young mother, caring for her daughter Elena. Through stares and smiles, they form an unusual bond. Leda sees her past in Nina. Like Leda, she thinks Nina too is struggling to conform to mold herself into motherhood. That perhaps, she is trapped by the family and the responsibilities as a mother. Whereas in Leda, Nina sees what her future could be. And it terrifies both of them. The Lost Daughter doesn't soften the ugly side of motherhood for you. It shows the true colors in all its glorious shades. The frustrations, the anger. The movie goes and back and forth between Leda's present and past. The hardships she faces as a young mother of two daughters. Having had to sacrifice a promising career and the downfalls that befall her when she chooses herself over others. But what is beautifully depicted is, even though we see the story through Leda's eyes, we aren't sure if she is entirely reliable. You don't know if what is happening is actually the reality or Leda's version of it. But supported by brilliant acting by Olivia, Dakota, and Jessie as young Leda, Lost Daughter has many things working in its favor. And not to mention the terrific direction. Watch this movie, tucked in all cozy blankets because this psychological drama will give you chills. By SB
