During the pandemic, my consumption of films, documentaries, and series led me to a “specialization” in the History of the British Monarchy, far beyond the lives of the Windsors in The Crown. Between Shakespeare and the Starz franchise, now Lionsgate, about English Queens, I followed a path similar to that of Philippa Langley, the “instinctive” historian, and archeologist who made history herself by locating the remains of Richard III in a parking lot after of more than three centuries from a mass grave. Like her, I became more curious to understand who the “real” king was villainized in the English bard’s work, and, like Philippa, I started to see him with different eyes. The fascinating story of how she managed to find the “lost king” is the theme of Stephen Frears’ film, which is not yet easily available in Brazil, a shame!
Starring the always precise and intelligent Sally Hawkins, The Lost King is delightful. Like Philippa, Sally may be physically different from the character, but she captured her soul. Her obsession with an iconic and misunderstood character makes us follow the journey that is retold with delicacy and humor and is incredibly a true story.
In 2012, Philippa Langley was a separated mother of two boys, unhappy and full of problems. While watching a middling Shakespeare production of Richard III, she forms a bizarre connection with the real king and begins a transformative journey. Mesmerized by the handsome actor who plays the King (Harry Lloyd), she embraces the mission of contesting the propaganda version that defamed him and, in addition, changes her life and alters history by finding Richard’s grave and at least being able to revise his reputation as a murderer of nephews and unworthy usurper.
For those who saw the incredible Channel 4 documentary, which recorded the entire story as the drama unfolded, The Lost King is less detailed and even dramatic. What makes up for it is Sally Hawkins, always. The most incredible and improbable parts of the film are true and to great credit Philippa (who appears briefly at the funeral) arranged for Richard III to be buried in the center of Leicester Cathedral with his coat of arms on his tomb, listed as anointed king, not a usurper and she received recognition (and an MBE) in 2015. Today she continues to search for other lost kings and princes, but her connection with Richard is already legendary. An inspiring story that I recommend checking out!
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