King Richard III of England has been vilified by academicians and professional historians who call him a child killer and usurper, amongst other things. However, Philippa Langley thinks otherwise. Struggling with a chronic illness, the underappreciated Philippa is passed over for a promotion at her marketing job by a boss who chooses to invest in the younger employees instead. Nevertheless, she feels connected with Richard III (Harry Lloyd) after watching a play based on Shakespeare’s works. But when Philippa begins to see an apparition of the deceased king, she’s compelled to investigate his backstory. This leads her down a trail that threatens to alienate her from her ex-husband John (Steve Coogan) and their two sons. Although the subject material may seem whimsical, the mix of vulnerability and inner strength displayed by Sally Hawkins makes ‘The Lost King’ a fascinating watch. Philippa is dismissed by almost everyone she encounters, including her generally supportive ex, John, played by Steve Coogan, who also co-wrote the screenplay along with the real-life Philippa Langley. Taking on challenges well out of her comfort zone, Philippa is determined to follow her visions, literally and figuratively, to uncover the truth behind the late king. Hawkins brings life to a woman struggling to find herself, who draws on sheer conviction and trusts her instincts to accomplish a landmark feat. Thanks to this perceptive portrayal, it is hard not to be invested in Philippa’s journey, even as she walks a thin line between madness and relentless dedication. The critically acclaimed Hawkins makes Philippa’s search for meaning and purpose highly relatable, even when others, including the audience, are more inclined to believe the lady is going through a mid-life crisis and has lost the plot. Directed by Stephen Frears, the first two acts methodically build up to an intriguing reveal and a bittersweet climax in the third. Rather than a nail-biting historical thriller, ‘The Lost King’ is a charming celebration of the human spirit.Read more