asherlines

The Lost Daughter, written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal is an evocative portrait of motherhood. The main character, Leda, is reminded of the past when she visits Greece. Her struggles with motherhood become the theme of the film.

Olivia Coleman provides fantastic acting; something which is vital for this character study to work. Also, Maggie Gyllenhaal's directing is very impressive for a first-time director.

Gyllenhaal decides to interweave the present with the past in a series of poignant flashbacks that reveal a little at a time. This film is a mystery since it's a quest to understand Leda's intricacies and wounds.

The film focuses on a theme which hasn't been on the big screen enough (motherhood difficulties). It will bring up a lot of philosophical questions for the more thoughtful viewer.

However, the plot is underwhelming, especially in the last act. Certain aspects of the story world never build to anything big.

Also, the film doesn't answer many of the theme related questions it brings up. Leda's intricacies are never concretely explained.

This will leave some people like myself with the irritating question of 'so what?' at the end while other people will find their own answers and won't mind a few unanswered questions to meditate on.

This film is more about the theme than the plot. It's a character mystery which doesn't provide all the answers. It requires focus. If that sounds good, give it a go.

It seems most reviews for this film are split. I'm not gonna exaggerate to stand out but rather give a balance between why some people might not like and why others will love it.

As has been the case before with previous Oscar Best Picture winners, this film has the critics and the public slightly divided, with critics giving huge praise compared to most of the public, who see it as nothing more than a 'good' film.

To me, Moonlight was unsatisfactory on first viewing since I was expecting a big climax near the end as it is with most films. Instead the film is more subdued and should be seen this way to truly appreciate the little things that make this film stand out.

It's obvious from numerous awards and nominations for directing, acting, music, etc. that the crew and cast are something to be admired. However for a non-critic for the most part these will not be noticed (except perhaps the standout acting) since they're done very subtly as to serve the style the director was going for.

Some will say this is a film about nothing, a film in which the main character and the story doesn't change. I can see why people think this. Perhaps the best way to approach this film is to expect exactly this, but to also see it for what the film really is; a portrayal of the everyday difficulties with family, friendship and love of a black man growing up in Miami. Nothing more, nothing less.

It's a beautiful film if you sit back and give into it. It's not supposed to be grandiose and epic. And I'm sure that by rewatching it you will enjoy it a lot more. It makes you think and relate, as well as giving you an understanding of a different world for most of it and it's just these kinds of films that aren't for the people expecting a thrill but rather those who admire the little details and slightly unusual scope of the film.