The story follows Leda, played by the brilliant Olivia Colman, who is on a solo seaside vacation. There, she becomes fixated on a young mother-daughter duo on the beach. Their relationship, along with the rowdy and somewhat menacing extended family, triggers Leda's own memories of the challenging early days of motherhood. An impulsive act then thrusts her into a strange and foreboding exploration of her past choices as a young mother. Dakota Johnson also delivers a remarkable performance, adding depth to the narrative.

This film is not just a visual treat but has also been recognized academically. Gyllenhaal received a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars for her work on "The Lost Daughter". Both Coleman and Johnson are lauded for what many are calling "career-best performances". Their portrayals bring the complex emotions and inner turmoil of their characters to life, making the audience feel every nuance of the story. "The Lost Daughter" stands as a testament to Gyllenhaal's talent as a director and her ability to translate a powerful novel into an equally powerful film.