Not perfect by any means, but well worth your time.

Rating: 8/10 (29 August 2017)

James Gray's "The Lost City of Z" (pronounced 'Zed', to my chagrin) is a contemplative study of purpose and what drives us to seek what we see as our destiny. Subverting the expectations of the viewer, Gray takes us deep within the Amazonian jungle only to frustratingly yank us back just as we get used to our surroundings. Each time we get closer to where we think the film is taking us, until we are thrust back out again. The same can be said for Charlie Hunnam's Percy Fawcett on his quest to find his lost city.
Hunnam proves capable of shouldering the weight of the lead performance, an irony due to the simultaneous presence of his King Arthur movie in theaters. But he deserves the credit he is being given for this film, as I haven't enjoyed a performance of his this much since his time on Undeclared (and I suffered through all seven seasons of Sons of Anarchy). Robert Pattinson gives an understated yet powerful performance as Fawcett's aide-de-camp, Mr. Costin, and seems to be on quite the ascent in his career right now.
Not perfect by any means, but well worth your time, The Lost City of Z provokes discussion at its conclusion. Apt, as the themes explored in the movie do not fit neatly inside a box, wrapped up tightly with a bow. Z was a fine introduction to James Gray, and has me excited to view his previous movie, 2013's The Immigrant.