Leave it to Stephen Frears to make another project about recent British history. But in fairness, “The Lost King” looks like a lighter romp than the likes of “A Very English Scandal” and “The Queen.” It’s not like every film has Sally Potter hallucinating a long-deceased monarch, right?
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Based on Phillippa Langley‘s 2013 book “The King’s Grave: The Search For Richard III,” “The Lost King” traces the discovery of Richard III’s grave under a car park in Leceister, and how the Langley’s amateur research led up to it.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis, courtesy of IFC Films:
Directed by two-time Oscar® nominee Stephen Frears and starring two-time Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins 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.
Alongside Potter, “The Lost King” also stars Steve Coogan, Harry Lloyd, Mark Addy, and Lee Ingleby. James Fleet, Bruce Fummey, and Amanda Abbington round out the main cast.
Frears directs a script by Coogan and Jeff Pope. It’s Frears’ first film in five years, since 2017’s “Victoria & Abdul.” Frears’ next project is HBO‘s upcoming limited series “The Palace” with Kate Winslet, filming now. “The Lost King” had its world premiere at TIFF last year; read The Playlist’s review of the film here.
Ready to discover the real story behind the discovery of King Richard III’s grave? “The Lost King” hits theaters on March 24, 2023. Watch a trailer for the film below.