Academicians and historians have denigrated King Richard III of England, calling him, among other things, a child slayer and usurper. Philippa Langley disagrees, though. Philippa, who struggles with a chronic illness, gets passed over for a promotion at her marketing position by a manager who choose to invest in the younger employees rather than her. But, after seeing a play based on Shakespeare, she feels a connection to Richard III (Harry Lloyd). Yet Philippa is forced to look into the history of the deceased king when she starts to experience apparitions of him. She follows this down a path that puts her in danger of losing her relationship with her ex-husband John (Steve Coogan) and their two sons.

Despite its quirky subject matter, The Lost King remains a captivating movie thanks to Sally Hawkins's combination of fragility and inner fortitude. Nearly everyone Philippa comes into contact with rejects her, even her typically supportive ex, John, who is portrayed by Steve Coogan, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Philippa Langley in real life. Philippa is determined to pursue her visions, both literally and figuratively, in order to learn the truth about the late monarch, taking on tasks that are far beyond of her comfort zone. Hawkins gives life to a lady who is searching for herself and relies on her conviction and gut feeling to accomplish a historic feat. It is difficult not to be immersed in Philippa's path because of this insightful representation, even though she walks a thin line between madness and relentless dedication.

Although though others, including the audience, are more likely to think Philippa is experiencing a mid-life crisis and has lost her mind, the critically renowned Hawkins makes the woman's search for meaning and purpose incredibly accessible. The first two acts of this Stephen Frears-directed film gradually build up to an exciting revelation and a heartbreaking climax in the third. The Lost King is a wonderful celebration of the human spirit rather than a suspenseful historical thriller.