The Lost Daughter

 

      Not exactly new, this drama is currently streaming on Netflix. Written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, and based on the novel by Elena Ferrante, the film explores motherhood through the eyes of Olivia Coleman as Leda Caruso, Jessie Buckley in flashbacks as a young Leda, and Dakota Johnson as Nina, a young mother vacationing at the same Greek resort as Leda.

      Vacationing alone, Leda's peaceful stay is constantly interrupted by Nina and the rest of her loud, obnoxious family. She becomes obsessed with Nina and her daughter Elena. Watching them invokes memories of her own young motherhood which we come to find out was not an easy one.

      The film co-stars Ed Harris, as Lyle, the resort's maintenance man, Paul Mescal as Will, a resort assistant, and Peter Sarsgaard as a college professor colleague of young Leda. Ms. Coleman is amazing as always and Ms. Buckley captures her perfectly as her younger self. Ms. Johnson and the rest of the cast are excellent as well.

      While not exactly a "thriller",  we are teased by many tense moments as the story unfolds. It's a slow burn but filled with intriguing characters as well as much symbolism. It is that symbolism that leaves the film open to interpretation as well as an ambiguous ending that begs discussion.