The Lost King (2022)

THE LOST KING is a comedy-drama that follows amateur historian, Philippa Langley, on her quest to solve one of the most enduring mysteries in British history: the loss of King Richard III’s remains for over five centuries. Directed by Stephen Frears and starring renowned actor Sally Hawkins as the determined Philippa Langley, the movie is based on the true story of Philippa Langley’s quest to locate King Richard III’s remains despite encountering backlash from members of the historical establishment. She relentlessly follows her gut instinct, which leads her to a parking lot in Leicester. The movie follows Philippa as she navigates the obstacles that stand in her way as she attempts to prove her theory and discover one of Britain’s most important historical figures.

Unfortunately, THE LOST KING feels sanitised and underdeveloped, lacking the tension and emotional heft that could have been injected into a story of such magnitude. The narrative is predictable, and the characters feel one-dimensional and lack charisma–a far cry from Frears’s previous films. The movie also fails to capitalise on Philippa Langley’s relentless determination and enthusiasm, which could have made for a much more engaging story.

It’s worth knowing that there has been considerable controversy over THE LOST KING. While some praise it for its accurate portrayal of the events and characters, others have criticised it for being too political in its stance and misrepresenting the involvement of the archaeologist and the University who, Langley claims, and as the film portrays, marginalised her role in the discovery.

Regardless, THE LOST KING is a pleasant, by-the-numbers, movie that is worth seeing for those interested in British history.

(In cinemas in Australia – check your movie guide for your local show times.)