Getting Lost

I had been tracking Getting LOST on social media for quite some time before it finally became available to rent. Not only am I a huge LOST fan, but I was excited to see something commemorating the series' 20th anniversary. But of course, independently-financed documentaries are always going to be a bit of an adventure quality-wise. Fortunately, this one is as good as they come even without studio funding!

Basically, director Taylor Morden covers all the key areas in which LOST was successful, controversial, and/or changed the game when it came to network television quality. From the mind-boggling pilot to the immediate skyrocketing success to the controversial finale and everything along the way (plus after), Morden provides excellent series coverage.

While generally being very positive about LOST's legacy, Getting LOST does not shy away from the more recent reports of the writer's room or production not necessarily being the most welcoming place. Generally-speaking, though, Morden plays fair with these topics and gives a wide range of thoughts/opinions on that topic. It had to be addressed--and it is--without slowing the overall narrative.

The true hallmark of Getting LOST, however, is the sheer number of interviewees it procures. From producers to show runners to writers to actors to superfans to podcasters--I could list them all but it would almost be easier to name who didn't participate! The breadth of interviews in this doc would be impressive for a well-funded production, much less one largely financed by individual contributions. Not only does this provide some "insider info", but it is simply fun for LOST fans to see what everyone is up to now!

Even the special effects are fun here, with DHARMA paraphernalia, polar bears, and other LOST iconography used to mostly comedic (though sometimes dramatic) effect.

Ultimately, I really could not have asked for anything more from Getting LOST. Truly a fitting 20-year tribute to one of the greatest TV shows ever created!

I had the chance to attend the UK premiere of this documentary at The Phoenix Cinema in London. Over the next two hours we touched on the originality of the show's writing, the music, the impact on the cast and crew, the controversies associated with the show and most important the connections the show allowed us to develop with other people. Friendships, marriages, families and charities all arose from this fandom and the documentary manages to capture all of this flawlessly. Lost was a paradigm shift in television, in many positives ways but even in ways that weren't for the best it inspired a landscape in television where future creatives don't have to fall down the same traps. A must watch for anyone touched (or frustrated) by the show, 10/10.

With Lost being my favourite TV show of all time, I was so so hyped for this but it doesn't tell us anything new or noteworthy. Pretty much everything in this is either common knowledge for even the most casual of fans and everything else is just regurgitating stuff from all the behind the scenes on the dvds. It's such a shame how they wasted about 40 minutes on podcasters and other uninteresting people when a bunch of people actually involved in the show somehow ended up on the cutting room floor. They announced guests that never appear or are just a brief video segment with no interviews. It's a completely missed opportunity and I'm sad about that.

I loved Lost, even the ending! There is quite a lot to enjoy in this film, especially when the stars of the show are talking about the series so fondly. What I didn't like was that it spent far too much time on fans of the show, a number of whom were really rather boring and totally self obsessed. It was more about them than the actual show!! This got worse later on when there was talk of some toxicity on the show, giving these narcissistic fans a chance to wallow in victim mentality droning on about diversity and inclusion etc. This was followed by the sob stories and illnesses suffered by some of these fans. I wanted to watch those from the show not people I have absolutely no interest in. I'd give it a higher score if they cut out the dreary fans.

Getting Lost is an incredible tribute to a series that changed the television landscape forever 20 years ago.

Taylor, Ralph, and company have so eloquently captured the lasting affection that many of us feel for the show. It will make you laugh; it will make you cry. Above all, it will remind you why this show continues to reverberate with us today.

It's way more than a love letter to the six seasons of the show; it's truly a celebration of the fandom and communities that sprung up because of it, many of which still live on today.

Getting Lost features interviews with many of the cast and crew, along with notable podcasters and personalities who offer remarkable insight into the making of the show. At times both humorous and poignant, deeply moving, it is a fitting tribute to this groundbreaking series and the community that keeps its legacy alive.