lost child

Rating: 8/10 (19 February 2020)

Immensely moving tale of a young child lost in India, preyed upon, rescued - falsely - then rescued again, and shipped off to a new country for adoption. Photography, pace, and atmosphere are all pitch perfect in the opening sequence in India, but what really draws you in is the charismatic performance by young newcomer Sunny Pawar. Dev Patel does a good job, but it is the flashbacks to the five-year-old boy, rather than concern for the man, that keeps you emotionally invested. Nicole Kidman is quietly powerful as a woman who surprises you by her choices and incredible strength. The film avoids sentimentality and completely earned the copious tears I gave up. I have a soft spot for 'lost child' stories, and this is one that rises above the pack.