By: Zoe Howard
Features Editor
Netflix’s “Lost Girls” presents viewers with an interesting take on the unsolved murder case, giving people a new view of the justice system.
“Lost Girls” includes complex characters and brilliant cinematography, which forms an incredible storyline. While the ending leaves viewers unsatisfied, it captivates them through harrowing events.
Netflix released “Lost Girls” on Jan. 28, which was directed by Liz Garbus and stars Amy Ryan as Mari Gilbert. It is inspired by the true story of New York Times Bestseller, Lost Girls: An Unsolved American Murder by journalist Robert Kolker. The movie focuses on one of the victims murdered by the Long Island serial killer.
The storyline takes place over the course of more than a year, following Mari as she discovers her oldest daughter, Shannon, is missing. When the police don’t take action in the case, Mari perseveres to uncover the truth. As the plot evolves, police discover more victims in this likely serial case.
The plot conclusively shows the struggles of the characters, especially Mari, as Shannon disappears, as well as goes into the complex backgrounds behind each character. The way the narrative is set up allows viewers to get in the heads of Mari and her other two daughters, Sherre and Sarra as the tragedy evolves. In addition, it incorporates issues of mental health and the blame they put on themselves.
The movie prioritizes the victims and their families rather than focusing on the police and the criminal, which introduces important issues. As Mari investigates on her own due to the police not taking Shannon’s disappearance seriously, it brings to light the police issue of police indifference to the misrepresented.
Garbus uniquely shows the evolution of Mari as a character through the cinematography of “Lost Girls.” In the beginning, Mari is almost hidden; viewers see her walking in hallways, behind glass and a counter, etc. As the movie progresses, she is shown more as she opens up and deals with her past guilt and shame.
The end of “Lost Girls” includes real footage from interviews with Mari and updates on the case, which extenuates the story even more. While the end of the movie leaves off after finding Shannon’s remains, the epilogue provides updates on the case, and the Gilberts, however, leaves viewers unsatisfied as nobody was ever charged in the case.
“Lost Girls” is worth watching, however, viewers will feel like the story isn’t finished. The movie does deliver an emotional storyline that successfully takes viewers through the perspective of its main characters.
Released on Jan. 28, “Lost Girls” is rated R and can be streamed on Netflix.
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