The Lost Daughter? **Contains Spoilers. Title edited by MNHQ**

[partystress]

Have had a really crap week (death in family, arguments, illness) and will be having a very low key NYE with me, DH and 18 year old DD. Will watching The Lost Daughter only make us feel worse or does it have something uplifting about it? Haven’t wanted to read too much about it as I prefer to come at films with a completely open mind, but need a bit more foreknowledge today!

It’s a good adaptation of an excellent novel in my view.

As a recent newspaper article said - women leaving their children is the last taboo.
Whereas a man can unapologetically mention he has three children he’s left (the couple they invite in at the cabin).

After Leda’s return to her kids, her husband leaves to pursue his career in Canada (saying its ‘her turn’ to look after the girls - what did he think she was doing for the first five years?).

Incidentally this is in the book but might not have been in the film.

Leda’s husband can’t look after the girls alone, choosing to rely on Leda’s mother - yet Leda is expected to do it alone.

The patriarchy’s trump card is women’s guilt, self-loathing and the fear of being despised by society.

Didn’t do much for me. Very conceptual and Freudian which I find doesn’t necessarily make an engaging film. Yes motherhood can be exhausting and frustrating but the OC character was not in the least relatable, let alone likeable.

@Drunkpanda

Kiss her bloody finger!

Omg that scene

Watched it today and really enjoyed it. I really felt for the main character, despite the impact her behaviour had on others. She felt (and was) invisible as a middle aged woman, and loved how she asserted herself when people expected her to be accommodating. I could absolutely feel her suffocation and exhaustion in the flashback scenes. I'm not a mother myself so don't have my own experience to relate to. I felt heartbroken for her two little girls, but could understand why she couldn't take it anymore. I had no doubt that she loved her children, but couldnt be there in the way they needed her

I loved it. An original plot, fantastic screenplay and acting.

I don't have a problem with matters not being resolved, though I felt hopeful that the conversation she was having at the end where she tells her daughter to "tell me all about it" was possibly her turning a corner and being more able to do maternal indulgence.

I don't have a problem with the doll. She was going to give it back more than once but didn't when other characters were behaving badly.

I think viewers would have found her more likeable if she were a man as her assertiveness would be seen as strength in a man.

I thought it was very good.

I read the book first, and actually thought the film was more effective at communicating.

I found it interesting but didn't think Olivia C was that good. I feel she always plays the same character.

I agree. I am always disappointed when it is OC in a film. She is always very good but you know what you will get - that weird smile she does in every film being one thing.

So slow, so painfully dull. Far too much staring on the beach.

Leda constantly behaved inappropriately and just seemed tone deaf. The masturbating with earphones on whilst her daughters were nearby was weird and borderline abusive.

She was a shallow, self indulgent fool imo who thought fancy Italian literature was more important than her poor kids.

Why didn't they use childcare whilst trying to work? Who doesn't struggle with young kids. I don't think anyone is a natural parent it is something you become.

That's 2 hours I won't get back!