** Warning – Spoilers to come **

Arriving on Netflix on December 31, 2021, The Lost Daughter has already captured the attention of platform subscribers, who are anxious to know if the gripping tale is based on a true story.

Directed by actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, in her directorial debut, The Lost Daughter tells the story of Leda (Olivia Colman) who is suddenly confronted with her past during what is meant to be a relaxing beach vacation.

Is The Lost Girl Based on a True Story?

The Lost Daughter is based in part on actual events.

The Netflix film is above all an adaptation of the Italian novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante.

It’s unclear whether the book is based on a true story or not, however, it has been reported that director Gyllenhall implemented her own experiences as a mother in the narrative – meaning some scenes are based on real events.

The film adaptation deviates significantly from the source material, including the film set in Greece instead of Italy, as well as some changes to filming locations and dialogue.

Elena Ferrante’s figlia oscura

La figlia oscura was written by an Italian author under the pseudonym Elena Ferrante.

Called one of the most influential people of 2016 by Time, Ferrante is best known for his four-part book series, Napolitan Novels.

The figlia oscura was first published in 2006, printed in the author’s native language, and it received an English translation, The Lost Daughter, in 2008.

Netflix Distribution

As well as being a gripping psychological drama, The Lost Daughter has a stellar cast full of familiar faces to bring these characters to life:

• Olivia Colman as Leda Caruso
• Jessie Buckley as young Leda Caruso
• Dakota Johnson as Nina
• Ed Harris as Lyle
• Peter Sarsgaard as Professor Hardy
• Dagmara Domińczyk as Callie
• Paul Mescal as Will
• Robyn Elwell as Bianca
• Jack Farthing as Joe
• Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Toni
• Athena Martin as Elena
• Panos Koronis as Vassili
• Alexandros Mylonas as Professor Cole

By Jo Craig – [email protected]

The Lost Daughter is now available to stream on Netflix.

In other news, ‘Our Beloved Summer’ Episode 9 & Preview: Yeon Soo & Ung on a Date