Lost River

2015 • 94 minutes

About this movie

Oscar® and Golden Globe nominee Ryan Gosling makes his filmmaking debut with this singular vision of stranded people finding connection in a broken world. In this dark fairy tale about love, family and the fight for survival in the face of danger, a single mother (Mad Men's Christina Hendricks) in the virtually abandoned city of Lost River is led into a macabre underworld in her quest to hold her family together. After her teenage son discovers a mystery about the origins of Lost River, his curiosity sets into motion an unexpected journey that will test the limits of those he loves.

Ratings and reviews

Like some of the other reviews have said, it does /seem/ nonsensical and disjointed. But these set pieces are parts of a whole, providing atmosphere and sensation in the form of tableau. At no point was I confused about the plot or the logic involved. This film is a toe dip into the realm of magic realism -- set in a gritty world of poverty too similar to the realities of impoverished industry towns after the industry has left, where mothers do what they can to provide and teen boys hazard bullies to help out where they can. But this reality is touched with a sense of the surreal as houses are set aflame, mothers get work in what can only be called "murder porn," and this town's particular bully as a penchant for cutting the lips off his enemies with scissors. The acting is very good, the movie is quiet and contemplative with lots of space between its horrors. A certain person will love it. I did.

Oscar® and Golden Globe nominee Ryan Gosling makes his filmmaking debut with this singular vision of stranded people finding connection in a broken world. In this dark fairy tale about love, family and the fight for survival in the face of danger, a single mother (Mad Men's Christina Hendricks) in the virtually abandoned city of Lost River is led into a macabre underworld in her quest to hold her family together. After her teenage son discovers a mystery about the origins of Lost River.

This movie gets a bad rep for no good reason. Fantastic atmosphere, performances, cinematography and music. Ryan Gosling shows huge promise as a director. Unlike what most critics argued, the film isn't a cheap copy of his favorite filmmakers; it is informed from the work of Lynch, Refn, and Cianfrance for sure but manages to carve out its own unique style. Definitely one of the most interesting films I've seen this year; if you are an openminded person and can handle/embrace a little weirdness, you will enjoy Lost River.