Lost Girls (2020) is a compelling crime drama directed by Liz Garbus, based on the true story of the unsolved Long Island serial killer case and the search for justice by a mother who refuses to give up. The film is an adaptation of the book Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Mystery by Robert Kolb, which chronicles the tragic real-life events surrounding the disappearance of several young women in the area.
The film stars Amy Ryan as Mari Gilbert, a determined mother whose daughter, Shannan Gilbert, went missing in 2010. Shannan, a sex worker, was last seen running through a gated community in Oak Beach, Long Island, and her disappearance becomes the catalyst for Mari’s investigation. The authorities quickly dismiss the case, but Mari is persistent in her search, gradually uncovering a connection between Shannan’s disappearance and the deaths of other young women. Mari’s journey to find out the truth leads her to a disturbing discovery—a series of unsolved murders that may be linked to a serial killer preying on sex workers in the area.
Lost Girls focuses on Mari’s emotional journey as she battles both the police and her own family’s struggles while pushing to uncover the truth behind her daughter’s disappearance. The film highlights Mari’s persistence, as she refuses to allow her daughter’s death to be brushed aside or treated as insignificant. Amy Ryan’s performance as Mari is powerful and nuanced, capturing the grief, anger, and determination of a mother who will not rest until she gets answers.
The film’s tone is somber and tense, with a sense of urgency and emotional depth throughout. It’s less about the investigative procedures and more about Mari’s personal quest for justice. The performances from the cast, including a standout turn by Thomasin McKenzie as Shannan Gilbert, add to the emotional weight of the story. McKenzie portrays Shannan with a quiet vulnerability, giving the audience a sense of the complexity and struggles of the character before she goes missing.
The film also sheds light on the broader social issues surrounding the case, particularly the treatment of sex workers and marginalized women. The authorities’ slow response and dismissive attitude toward Shannan’s case reflect the real-world prejudice and neglect often faced by women in vulnerable positions. Lost Girls isn’t just a procedural about uncovering a killer; it’s also a poignant reflection on systemic indifference and the fight for justice for those whose lives are too often overlooked.
While Lost Girls is focused on one mother’s journey, it also brings attention to the larger mystery of the Long Island serial killer case, which remains unsolved, making it an important and timely film in terms of raising awareness about missing women and the unsolved crimes that often go unnoticed.
Lost Girls received praise for its sensitive handling of a difficult and emotional subject matter, as well as its standout performances. It’s a gripping and heart-wrenching film that highlights the persistence of a mother’s love and the ongoing search for justice for those who have been forgotten or neglected by society. If you’re interested in true-crime dramas that focus on personal stories amidst larger social issues, Lost Girls is a compelling and emotional watch.
