Sally Hawkins Stars in the stunning true story of an indomitable woman who achieves an extraordinary feat. The lost king It tells of the discovery of the burial site of King Richard III by Philippa Langley; A divorced, terminally ill mother of two who refused to be left out. She persistently pursued her dream in the face of the ridicule and humiliation of academics. Film uses imaginary Items to accompany Philippa in her search. She imagines talking to Richard III when no one believes her. Experts are not infallible. The average person with courage, intellect and willpower can be proven wrong.
In Edinburgh, Scotland, Philippa Langley (Hawkins) has been passed over for a promotion at work. You wonder why the job was given to younger, less productive people. Philippa’s manager blames it on her disorder, ME or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She returns home feeling depressed and unappreciated. Richard III’s sighting of Shakespeare at her son’s school that night changes her life. She is disturbed by Richard’s portrayal of an ugly, hunchbacked killer. Shakespeare wrote the play a hundred years after Richard’s death. How did he know what really happened?
A cursory search of Richard III reveals several historical inaccuracies that are now accepted as fact. Philippa understood that she was being bullied and blamed her for her disability. Dive deeper into its subject matter and become intrigued. Richard III was nothing like Shakespeare’s portrayal. He was sullied by the Tudors who came to power after his death. Philippa’s charm takes a strange turn. She begins to see and speak to Richard III (Harry Lloyd).
Quest Philippa
John (Steve Coogan), her ex-husband, wonders what is happening to her. She quits her job and goes mysteriously every day. Philippa joined the Richard III Society, a group of like-minded people. They lead her to Richard Buckley (Mark Addy), an archaeologist at the University of Leicester. He agrees to meet Philippa, but like everyone else, he doesn’t take her seriously. How could she know where Richard III is buried when brilliant academics have been at a loss for five hundred years?
Hawkins has an amazing ability to portray vulnerability and strength at the same time. Philippa is constantly underestimated by everyone she encounters. They describe her as petite and frail, an obsessive woman who follows blind intuition. Philippa’s interactions with Richard III give her the strength to move forward. Hawkins builds trust with each new piece of the puzzle. You watch a beautiful and thoughtful butterfly emerge from its cocoon.
Coogan produces, co-writes, and co-writes a fantastic script. The decision to actually have Richard III on screen is paying off. It gives the audience and Philippa something concrete to believe in rather than vague historical references. Coogan plays John with a little nuance and heart. His concern for Philippa’s well-being develops into unconditional support. John loves her deeply. He becomes an invaluable ally in her darkest moments. Their relationship is the backbone of the movie and is fascinating to behold.
place in history
I honestly couldn’t tiptoe about Richard III or the British monarchy, but I can appreciate a struggling woman who passionately pursues her dream. The movie is her journey. Philippa Langley represents what can be achieved in the face of overwhelming obstacles. It secured its place in history alongside Richard III.
The lost king It is a Pathé Production, Baby Cow Productions, BBC Film, British Film Institute and Ingenious. It will have a US theatrical release on March 24 from IFC Films.
