The Lost City | SXSW 2022 Film Review

Escapism. Remember that? Whenever anyone asks why 80s movies are so nostalgic for so many, escapism is my immediate answer. It was a decade known for comedic hijinks, daring adventure, and movies that offered that most cliched of descriptions: fun. We have been inundated of late with heavily dramatic fare focused on flawed characters with dire arcs, but what about moviegoers who just want to put the last two years behind them and escape for a while? Well you can relax, The Lost City was made for you.

Sandra Bullock stars as Loretta Sage, a winsome yet disillusioned widow and romance novelist whose greatest success is a heroic adventurer named Dash. As every romance novel needs a sexed-up jacket, Channing Tatum stars as Alan, the handsome cover model who has embodied Dash for years despite lacking the actual skills the character possesses. After yet another media event devolves into horny readers screaming for Dash to drop his shirt, Loretta proclaims it’s time to kill Dash off…much to Alan’s dismay.

Just as Loretta and Alan spare words over the decision, Loretta is politely kidnapped by Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), a rich megalomaniac – as if there’s any other kind – determined to find the hidden treasure rumored to be located in the Lost City of D. Loretta and her husband were seekers of the city, and her writings on the topic have convinced Fairfax that she can ultimately help him locate the treasure.

With the help of Loretta’s fierce publisher, Beth (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), and an enigmatic rescue specialist (Brad Pitt, clearly relishing the opportunity to charismatically kick ass while glistening in the sunlight), Alan mounts a rescue attempt. Taken to a remote island surrounding a simmering volcano, the rescue attempt goes sideways and Alan and Loretta are on their own fighting against mercenaries and their own desire to find the treasure before Fairfax.

Paying its respects to Romancing the Stone as it unspools, The Lost City is a zippy romantic comedy with shades of action to keep the demographics happy. Directors Aaron and Adam Nee have no aspirations of anything but a good time at the theater. The filmmakers have a firm grasp on this template, and mostly pull it off with aplomb. The only real critique I have is that the third act lacks a tinge of the punch of the first two-thirds, though it’s a minor issue. The pacing is crisp, the actors are clearly having a wonderful time, laughs are plentiful, and there’s even a set piece here and there to keep the adrenaline up.

The real sales pitch is the cast. Sandra Bullock returns to the type of role that made her a star with Loretta Sage. Loretta is a strong, independent woman who has forgotten why her success even matters anymore. Still coping with the loss of her husband, her spirit simply isn’t in the character of Dash. She craves more in her art, rather than be used as a show pony in a sequined purple jumpsuit for her legions of adoring fans. That might not read “fun”, but in Bullock’s hands, Loretta is engaging even at her bitchiest. Bullock’s subtle delivery and casual gestures often prove hilarious when seen in context, and by the film’s conclusion there is no debate as to who the hero of this story is.

Channing Tatum has mastered the art of the “not quite a genius, but endearing enough to root for” characters. For the first half of The Lost City, Tatum seems to be dropping a riff on his Jenko from 21 Jump Street, before the second half affords Alan the opportunity to expand Tatum’s options and morph Alan into a fully-fledged character of his own. Tatum is always a joy to watch, and any time the screen finds him shirtless or offering up a dance sequence, the masses feel rewarded. Congratulations, you get both here.

Daniel Radcliffe will forever be affixed to Harry Potter, but can we give this man some credit for how steadfastly he has transformed every perception of him as an actor? Choice after choice, Radcliffe continues to challenge himself with every project. While Fairfax is a fairly rudimentary archetype on the page, Radcliffe’s embodiment leaves us with a politer, gentler masochist than these types of films typically allow. Keep it going, Radcliffe. You’re always keeping it interesting.

In supporting roles, Brad Pitt is so good as Jack Trainer, you’ll immediately demand a spin-off. His wavy hair thrashing in the wind, his perfectly executed fisticuffs, his serene gaze that you just know contains decades of acquired wisdom. Jesus, this guy really does make all men feel a tad emasculated just by breezing through a room. Randolph finds a smaller yet increasingly pivotal role as Loretta’s trusty publisher, who refuses to quit on the author. Mostly because she owes her one more book.

Movie stars, derring-do, laughter, heart, adventure. The Lost City brings it all together in a film seemingly plucked from that 80s heyday, garnished with a modern twist, and served up to movie theaters everywhere. It also offers us two hours of sheer joy that we’ve all needed these past two years. Ahh, escapism.

Follow our further discussion on this and over 25 other film and episodic premieres screened at SXSW 2022 via this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast: