Netflix takes a look at the way that women and sex workers are treated by law enforcement in their latest crime mystery. Based on the true story of Shannan Gilbert’s disappearance, the film follows how her mother ends up becoming the detective in the search for her and her interactions with the other families of the four other sex workers that were killed.
It’s a very tense and dark story with some great cinematography, that is steeped in poverty and misogyny. Amy Ryan (The Office) takes the lead as a desperate and determined mother who works hard to provide for her children and goes to great lengths to find her daughter. Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) and Oona Laurence (Bad Moms) also star as the sisters of the missing Shannan.
One of the themes of the film is how much of a community comes together in the face of tragedy which is demonstrated by the group of women that support each other through the finding of the women’s remains. The film is very dramatic, intense but also compelling and beautifully shot. It sheds some light on a serious oversight of the police in Long Island, without giving any glory to the as yet uncaught killer.
‘Lost Girls’ is available to stream on Netflix.
Pep Reviews 