Lost Child

Lost Child is a heartrending drama interwoven with subtle aspects of suspense, all set against the backdrop of the rustic Ozark Mountains. The film effectively roots its narrative in a gritty realism while touching upon elements of folklore and mysticism, resulting in an evocative blend of genres.

The story follows Fern (Leven Rambin), an army veteran who returns to her rural hometown in the Ozarks after her father's disappearance. Coping with her own personal demons, Fern is a woman hardened by the cruelties of life, but a certain vulnerability persists beneath her tough exterior. Her return home pulls her back into the gloom of her childhood cloaked in poverty, addiction and superstition, forcing her to confront the past she escaped from.

A key theme in the movie is the concept of lost and found: Fern is physically in search of her lost father, and metaphorically in search of herself. The narrative takes a fascinating turn when Fern discovers a young, abandoned boy (Taylor John Smith) hiding in the woods near her childhood home. The mysterious boy, Cecil, proves to be an enigma, showing an unusual comfort with nature and exhibiting peculiar behavior.

Cecil, who claims to be a mythical creature from local folklore, a “crying boy”, becomes the focal point of the story. The “crying boy”, according to local superstition, brings trouble, misfortune, or evil to whoever takes it in. Fern, defying belief and societal norms, takes Cecil under her wing and thus their heartbreaking and haunting relationship unfolds.

Fern's decision to protect Cecil from the judgement of the community is met with hostility. This is where the character of Billy (Jim Parrack) adds an interesting dynamic to the plot. Billy, an old friend from Fern's troubled past, serves as a reminder of her scars and shadows, adding to the overall complexity of her character. However, his role takes a turn as he helps Fern uncover the real story behind Cecil's mysterious past.

The Ozark landscapes and deeply embedded cultural beliefs provide a rich atmosphere for the film’s narrative. The director and writer Ramaa Mosley, known for her magical realism style in 'The Brass Teapot', has delved into a darker and more serious territory with 'Lost Child'. She successfully sustains an eerie tension throughout the movie that keeps you engrossed.

Leven Rambin delivers a powerful performance as the protagonist struggling with her traumatic past and the precarious present. The Emmy-nominated actress remarkably portrays the nuances of Fern's character, being both the tough, battle-hardened veteran and the vulnerable woman seeking some form of redemption.

Taylor John Smith's portrayal of Cecil, the enigmatic boy from the woods, is both enthralling and disturbing. He wonderfully captures the peculiar mix of innocence and menace associated with his character. Jim Parrack, best known for his performance in 'True Blood', brings in a realistic portrayal of a man tangled in love, remorse and uneasy friendship.

While on the surface, 'Lost Child' may seem like a dramatic story of a returning war veteran navigating her haunting past, at its core, it is an examination of some deep-seated societal issues and the power of belief and myth. The film offers an unnerving glimpse into the folklore and superstitions of the Ozarks, and how they influence the lives and attitudes of the people.

'Lost Child' makes for a compelling watch, not only for the performances of the lead actors but also for its atmospheric setting, exposed interpersonal conflicts and intriguing plot. Despite being grounded in realism, it beautifully interweaves elements of fantasy, creating a subtle aura of mysteriousness. The film is a moving exploration of pain, redemption, fear, and the lengths one would go to protect a vulnerable life. It leaves its viewers with many thought-provoking questions about humanity, belief, the idea of home, and what it means to be lost and found.