The Lost King
Written By: Margaux Fortier
Toronto International Film Festival 2022 welcomed attendees from all over the world to experience the festival back in its original form for the first time since 2019. With the buzz returning to King Street West and expanding all around the city, TIFF 2022 showcased a full and engaging program of films for packed theaters and excited audiences. One of these films that premiered at the festival was The Lost King.
Sally Hawkins as “Philippa Langley” and Steve Coogan as “John Langley” in Stephen Frears’ THE LOST KING. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Films Release.
The Lost King, directed by Stephen Frears, tells the true story of how the lost resting place of King Richard III was discovered beneath a parking lot in Leicester. The film is led by Sally Hawkins, best known for her award-winning performance in The Shape of Water, where she becomes fascinated by the life of Richard III after seeing a performance of Shakespeare’s play and begins burying herself in as many books and information as she can find.
As elements of his life begin to resonate with her more and more, she decides to search for his final resting place, previously unknown, and change public opinion of the historical figure. Soon, she starts having visions of the actor who played Richard III in her daily life and eventually he begins to walk beside her in her journey to clear his name.
Sally Hawkins as “Philippa Langley” in Stephen Frears’ THE LOST KING. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Films Release.
Sally Hawkins’ character, Philippa Langley, represents elements of life that are often overlooked. From her chronic illness that people dismiss to being a middle-aged woman in a career designed for younger recruits to being a divorced single mother, she is trying to navigate the world through the circumstances she has been given but through her determined work on learning about Richard III, she becomes more comfortable and confident to create her own way. Richard provides comfort as she needs to build herself up and he leaves her side when that comfort comes from within herself.
Sally Hawkins as “Philippa Langley” and Harry Lloyd as “Richard III” in Stephen Frears’ THE LOST KING. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Films Release.
Harry Lloyd’s portrayal of Richard III complements Hawkin’s Langley in a lovely way. When asked about his character, he said, “He’s reflecting and giving her some quiet confidence, reminding her that she herself is brilliant. Often his job is not about helping Philippa find him—he’s helping her find herself.”
This story fits the structure of cinematic storytelling perfectly. Raising questions of perception and truth, The Lost King will have audiences looking twice at what they think they know about history and wondering what other lost treasures are around us in the modern world. You will root for Philippa and get swept up in her quest.
The Lost King is now available to watch on Hulu!
https://www.thelostking.movie/
https://www.ifcfilms.com/films/the-lost-king
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13421498/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1020089/
Watch the trailer here:
