If you’re planning a movie night this weekend, why not give Olivia Colman’s The Lost Daughter a go? The critically-acclaimed psychological drama is currently available to stream in the UK, following its release in 2021.
Based on the novel by Elena Ferrante, The Lost Daughter follows middle-aged university professor named Leda, who takes a lengthy sabbatical in Greece. While at the beach, Leda becomes acquainted with Nina, a young mother who is struggling with her exhausting life.
The movie explores themes of guilt, depression, motherhood and infidelity, while switching between the past and present day. So, if this poignant and gritty flick sounds up your street, keep reading for all the details.
Netflix
Who’s in The Lost Daughter?
• Olivia Colman as Leda Caruso
• Jessie Buckley as young Leda
• Dakota Johnson as Nina
• Ed Harris as Lyle
• Dagmara Domińczyk as Callisto “Callie”
• Paul Mescal as Will
What did the critics say about The Lost Daughter?
The Lost Daughter has an impressive critics’ score of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes from 236 reviews, making it one of Colman’s highest-rated projects. The screenplay was adapted by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who also made her directorial debut on the movie.
In our five-star review Digital Spy branded the movie “unmissable”, adding: “The Lost Daughter’s sheer brilliance is in the sum of its parts – it is a puzzle that is assembled somehow all at once over the two hours it takes to watch; it is an epiphany of human nature, but particularly that of womanhood – daughterhood, motherhood – that will leave you feeling seen and understood, even those bits of you that, as Ferrante wrote, you can’t understand and that is a precise kind of movie magic that is rare and wonderful to behold.”
“It’s the kind of movie that haunts you for a while afterward, like clouds that hang in the sky long after the storm has passed,” said Seattle Times, while Entertainment Weekly called it: “Transcendent”.
Rolling Stone wrote: “Colman brings Ferrante’s creation to life with all the withering pathos she deserves. Gyllenhaal catches it handsomely, awe-struck, as if even she didn’t know how painfully real this woman Leda could seem or, in Colman’s hands, be.”
Netflix
Where can I watch The Lost Daughter?
The Lost Daughter is available to watch right now on Netflix UK, with a subscription.
Prices start from £5.99 per month for the Standard with Ads option, while Standard with 1080p costs £12.99, and Premium with 4K costs £18.99.
Other Olivia Colman movies you can stream now
Fancy making it a movie marathon? You’re in luck, as there are plenty of other Olivia Colman projects available across various streaming services.
2025’s The Roses is currently part of Disney+‘s extensive catalogue, and stars Colman opposite Benedict Cumberbatch as a successful couple whose marriage falls apart in spectacular fashion.
Meanwhile, Colman’s highest-rated movie The Father is available to watch right now on Lionsgate+, which can be added as a Prime Video channel to your Amazon Prime subscription.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.