The Lost King

New York Times Critics' Pick
108 mins.
Directed by Stephen Frears
PG-13
2023

Last day Thursday, April 27.

In the archaeological find of a century, the remains of King Richard III—presumed scattered over 500 years ago—were discovered under a parking lot in Leicester in 2012. The search was spearheaded by amateur historian Philippa Langley, whose passion and unrelenting research were met with skepticism by the academic establishment.

Directed by two-time Oscar® nominee Stephen Frears (THE QUEEN, PHILOMENA) and starring two-time Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (THE SHAPE OF WATER, SPENCER) as Langley, THE LOST KING is the inspiring true story of a woman who refused to be ignored and took on Britain’s most eminent historians, forcing them to rethink the legacy of one of the most controversial rulers in English history.

A tale of discovery, obsession, and stolen glory (both then and now), THE LOST KING is a magical adventure illuminated by one woman’s awakened sense of purpose.

Co-starring Steve Coogan (THE TRIP, PHILOMENA) and Harry Lloyd (JANE EYRE, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING).


“Sally Hawkins is a gift, to directors and audiences alike.... THE LOST KING isn’t a polemic, or even a biopic. It’s a quietly droll detective story, a warm portrait of a woman who lost her health and found her purpose, exhuming her self-respect along with Richard’s bones. Those quibbling about factual liberties may be missing the point: This is a movie that’s less about rehabilitating a monarch than reinvigorating a life.” Jeannette Catsoulis. A New York Times Critic's Pick!