Watch The Lost Coast

The Lost Coast is a heartfelt drama that explores the themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery. Directed by Gabriel Fleming, the movie tells the story of a young man named Luke (Ian Scott McGregor) who travels to San Francisco to reconnect with his childhood friend, Alex (Lucas Alifano). The 2008 indie film is shot in a documentary-style, handheld camera work that captures the essence of the characters.

The movie opens with text that informs the audience that Luke has recently dropped out of college and disappeared, leaving his family and friends worried about his whereabouts. The first scene shows Luke driving by himself on a scenic highway in California, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and ocean views. He seems lost and confused, with no clear direction in life.

When Luke arrives in San Francisco, he reunites with Alex, who is now a performance artist and lives in a spacious loft with his girlfriend, Sheryl (Lindsay Benner). The three of them quickly bond again, sharing stories, laughing, and exploring the city together. However, it soon becomes clear that Luke is harboring a painful secret that he's afraid to confront.

The Lost Coast is a character-driven movie that takes time to allow the audience to get to know each of the protagonists, their quirks, flaws, and dreams. Ian Scott McGregor delivers a heartfelt and vulnerable performance as Luke, a complex and introspective young man who struggles with his sexuality, identity, and place in the world. McGregor's natural acting style feels authentic and relatable, carrying most of the emotional weight of the movie on his shoulders.

Lucas Alifano also shines as Alex, the extroverted and adventurous friend who seems comfortable in his own skin but has his own demons to face. Alifano's comedic timing and physicality add levity and humor to the movie, providing a necessary contrast to the drama and introspection of the story.

Lindsay Benner rounds out the main cast as Sheryl, a free-spirited artist who initially comes across as carefree and supportive but later reveals her own struggles and doubts. Benner's performance is nuanced and understated, conveying a sense of woundedness that complements the other characters' more overt angst.

One of the strengths of The Lost Coast is its evocative cinematography and editing. Shot on location in San Francisco, the movie captures the city's diverse neighborhoods and landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Castro district. The handheld camera work and natural light create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, allowing the audience to feel like they're peeking into the characters' lives.

The movie's soundtrack also deserves praise for its eclectic mix of indie rock, electronic, and folk music that complements the mood and themes of each scene. The music ranges from upbeat and playful to contemplative and melancholy, highlighting the characters' emotional states.

Overall, The Lost Coast is a poignant and relatable movie that tackles important issues with sensitivity and insight. Its exploration of identity, friendship, and self-discovery resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Although it doesn't have a traditional Hollywood ending, it leaves a lasting impression as a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted film.

The Lost Coast is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.