Lost Girls is a 2020 American mystery drama film directed by Liz Garbus and stars Amy Ryan, Thomasin McKenzie, Lola Kirke, Oona Laurence, Dean Winters, Miriam Shor, and Reed Birney. The film is based on the true story of Mari Gilbert, a mother who tirelessly searched for her missing daughter Shannan Gilbert, who was an escort on Long Island. However, her search leads her to the discovery of the remains of four prostitutes who were murdered and dumped in the forest.
As Mari Gilbert delves into the investigation with the help of an inexperienced police officer, she uncovers a web of corruption and cover-ups within the police department and the escort industry. Mari refuses to give up on finding justice for her daughter, even as her life spirals out of control, with her other daughter Sarra struggling with mental illness.
The film explores themes of grief, injustice, and the human cost of violence and exploitation. Amy Ryan delivers a heartbreaking performance as Mari, who is motivated by the love and loss of her daughter to fight for justice and vindication. The film has been praised for shedding light on the often-overlooked victims of violence and the systemic failure to address their cases. Lost Girls is a gripping, emotionally charged film that tells a powerful story of a mother's love and her fight for justice.