Lost Girls Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mom yells at cops until they find a bunch of bodies, but like, it’s not *her* daughter’s body, until it is, maybe.

🍿 Lost Girls: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Shannan’s Disappearance and Mari’s Frustration

The film opens with Mari Gilbert, a struggling single mother, dealing with her strained relationship with her daughters, particularly Shannan. When Shannan goes missing after a client visit on Long Island, Mari is immediately concerned and reports her disappearance to the police. However, she faces dismissive attitudes and a lack of urgency from law enforcement due to Shannan’s work as a sex worker.

Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands

Frustrated by the police inaction, Mari takes matters into her own hands, traveling to Long Island with her other daughters, Sherre and Sarra. She confronts the community where Shannan was last seen and relentlessly pressures the police to investigate. Her persistence and outspokenness draw attention to the case but also create friction with law enforcement and the residents of the gated community.

Uncovering a Darker Truth

As the search for Shannan continues, the police inadvertently discover the remains of other missing sex workers along Ocean Parkway. This discovery suggests the presence of a serial killer, shifting the focus of the investigation and highlighting the systemic neglect of these women by society and law enforcement. Mari’s fight for justice becomes intertwined with the stories of these other victims and their families.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mari Gilbert (Amy Ryan): A determined mother who relentlessly investigates her daughter’s disappearance due to police inaction.
• Shannan Gilbert (Sarah Wisser): The missing daughter whose disappearance triggers the investigation into the Long Island serial killings.
• Sherre Gilbert (Thomasin McKenzie): Mari’s supportive daughter who assists in the search for her missing sister.
• Richard Dormer (Gabriel Byrne): The police commissioner who initially appears dismissive but eventually oversees the investigation.
• Peter Hackett (Reed Birney): A doctor living near where Shannan disappeared, who becomes a person of interest in the case.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mari Gilbert: “She was a person. She mattered.” – Mari’s statement emphasizes the importance of her daughter’s life and the need for justice despite her profession.
• Mari Gilbert: “I’m not going away.” – Said to the police, showing her determination to keep investigating her daughter’s disappearance.
• Richard Dormer: “It’s not your daughter, Mrs. Gilbert, which is why it’s important that you don’t talk to the media.” – A dismissive remark highlighting the police’s initial lack of concern for Shannan’s case.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Lost Girls Reviews

Personal Review

This movie hit me hard. As a mom, I can’t imagine the pain of losing a child and then being ignored by the police. Amy Ryan’s performance was incredible, especially in the scene where she confronts the community members. The ending was bittersweet, but it left me thinking about the real women and their stories. The slow burn style of the film really let the emotion build, and I really appreciated that. Would recommend if you are into true crime.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “True crime enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in social justice issues”
  • “Fans of Amy Ryan and Thomasin McKenzie”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of violence and death”
  • “Mature themes related to sex work”
  • “Disturbing subject matter”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Amy Ryan delivers a raw and compelling performance as a mother fighting against systemic indifference. While the film occasionally loses momentum, its unflinching portrayal of grief and determination resonates deeply.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Lost Girls is a somber and respectful take on a tragic true story. Though it suffers from a lack of narrative drive, the film succeeds in highlighting the biases within law enforcement and the strength of a mother’s love.
• IMDB reviewer: “Excellent movie. It was well acted by all involved but Amy Ryan was outstanding, and her performance brought out the quintessence of the real Mari Gilbert and her pursuit of justice for her oldest daughter Shannan. The actor who played Peter Haskell brought out his creepy vibe perfectly. He made my skin crawl just as the real man did.

Audience Reactions

Amy Ryan’s portrayal of Mari Gilbert was phenomenal and heartbreaking.: Viewers praised the film for shedding light on a real-life tragedy and giving voice to marginalized victims.

The film accurately depicted the dismissive attitude of law enforcement towards sex workers.: Many audience members appreciated how the film focused on the systemic issues that allowed the crimes to continue.

Overall Consensus: Lost Girls is a powerful and poignant drama that effectively portrays the struggle of a mother fighting for justice in the face of systemic indifference. Though some find it slow-paced, the film’s emotional depth and strong performances leave a lasting impact.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on Robert Kolker’s non-fiction book ‘Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery’, which meticulously detailed the events surrounding the case.”
• “The photos used in the film to represent the victims are actual photos of the real-life victims of the Long Island serial killer.”
• “Liz Garbus, the director, is known for her documentary work, bringing a sense of realism to the film’s portrayal of the events.”

🖥️ How to Watch Lost Girls?

Lost Girls is currently available to stream on Netflix. You may also find it available for rent or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Lost Girls, you might like these similar films:

• Zodiac (2007): Both films focus on the frustrating and complex nature of unsolved serial killer cases and the impact on those involved.
• Prisoners (2013): Reflects the desperation of a parent to find a missing child.
• Spotlight (2015): Highlights a similar theme of uncovering uncomfortable truths and systemic failures in a specific community.

🛒 Lost Girls Related Products

• Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery: Robert Kolker’s gripping non-fiction book that inspired the film, delving deep into the lives of the victims and the investigation.
• True Crime Documentary Collection (DVD): A curated collection of documentaries focusing on real-life crime stories, offering a deeper dive into the world of true crime.
• Police Procedural Board Game: Engage in solving crimes with strategy, cooperation, and deduction.
• Amy Ryan – Autographed Photo: A collectible autographed photo of Amy Ryan as Mari Gilbert in “Lost Girls”, perfect for fans of her performance and the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Lost Girls features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Believer” – performed by Michèle Vice-Maslin and Dorian Cheah

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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