The Lost Daughter [Netflix]

A captivating and confident directorial debut from Maggie Gyllenhaal that avoided many of the trappings and tropes typical of first-time directors (there were still some, especially the opening and closing sequences and the flashbacks). Coupled with the fact that Gyllenhaal adapted the screenplay too, this resulted in a film that knew what it was and what story it wanted to tell, and this was no mean feat, given that the protagonist - as played so mesmerisingly by Olivia Colman - was such a complex and complicated character that could have easily been unlikeable. 

By no means, was this an easy film to watch, especially if you have children or are a (new) parent, or just highly empathetic, but Gyllenhaal, Colman and Jessie Buckley have crafted a story that confronted the taboo subjects of motherhood (parenthood) and the associated loss of self, weight of responsibility, parental role and societal expectations. 

This was a film that definitely needed a female director and screenwriter, and Gyllenhaal absolutely rose to the occasion. The female glance (lensed by Helene Louvart) held no sexuality or objectification, despite the setting being at Greek beach resort. Instead, we had an empathetic, almost intimately sensual view of the female body and femininity. Gyllenhaal would definitely get an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay but will be a longshot for a Director nod. 

Of course, the film would also not have succeeded as well as it did without the tremendous performance of its lead actress, Colman. Again, Colman was stunning, but this time round it was a quieter powerhouse performance - more akin to her Queen Elizabeth than her Queen Anne that nabbed her an Oscar. Her emotions - and her tears - just come on so naturally. She had an ease about her character that seemed so natural but yet undeniably skilled and nuanced. It was impossible not to be drawn in to her character - this complex, complicated woman that had so much feelings but yet still vulnerable and amazingly strong. Her Oscar nomination this year is assured and there could be a chance she may repeat her win.

Of the two supporting actresses, Buckley is more likely than Dakota Johnson to possibly get an Oscar nomination. Buckley - as always - was highly engaging and like Colman, gave a full bodied performance that demanded attention and empathy (maybe even sympathy). Johnson, on the other hand, was less convincing in her role as compared to the other two ladies. She seemed to only imbued her character with a singular dimension even though, on paper, the character seemed to have more depth. 

The Lost Daughter was a fantastic directorial debut by Gyllenhaal that portends to possibly greater things to come. All parents, and parents-to-be, should definitely have a watch. It is on Netflix, so no excuse.