In ‘The Lost King,’ Sally Hawkins Shines as Amateur Historian Behind Remarkable Royal Discovery

Sandra Miska

Based on an extraordinary true story, a 45-year-old woman’s new career as an amateur historian leads to more than just a second act, but a remarkable discovery in Stephen Frears’ dramedy “The Lost King.” Sally Hawkins is perfectly cast as Philippa Langley, a woman whose research, persistence, and determination led to the exhumation of the long-lost remains of Richard III.

Just like Hawkins is in real life, Philippa is a shy and naturally introverted person. But unlike Hawkins, she has not much success in her career up until this point, and after being overlooked for a promotion in favor of a younger colleague, she seeks a new purpose. She finds that in Richard III, the controversial English king who lost his life at the Battle of Bosworth, after seeing a production of Shakespeare’s play about him. Fascinated, she does a deep dive into Richard’s life, and becomes of the opinion that Shakespeare’s portrayal of a villainous, deformed monarch capable of murdering his own nephews was unfair and inaccurate. 

Philippa joins a group of like-minded people, the Richard III Society, a real-life group dedicated to correcting what they believe are centuries-old misconceptions about their favorite king, lies allegedly propagated by the Tudors and their supporters (Henry VII, the first Tudor king, was the one who defeated Richard at Bosworth). At first, she keeps her newfound interest a secret from John (Steve Coogan, who also co-wrote the screenplay), her former husband with whom she still has a strong friendship and co-parenting relationship, and their two young sons. Instead, she confides in none other than Richard himself (Harry Lloyd), who appears to her in visions. He does not have much to say, which fuels the mystery around him, but he is one hell of a listener.

But Philippa has more ambitions than just to read books about Richard III and talk about him over beers in pubs with other Richardians. She becomes determined on locating his burial site, and her research leads her to a parking lot in Leicester. But it is not that simple to just go in and dig up concrete. Predictably, she has a tough time getting taken seriously, but she’s as serious as a heart attack, and she eventually finds an ally in Richard Buckley (Mark Addy), a professor of archaeology at the University of Leicester. 

One could debate until they’re blue in the face about Richard III and whether or not he was a legitimate king, or if he was responsible for the deaths of his nephews, the princes in the tower. And while Frears gives the viewer a lot to ponder about Richard, the real story here is Philippa and how her persistence and determination led to one of the most significant historical discoveries of this century. The film also highlights the power of community, as she eventually crowdfunds to raise the money needed for her mission.

“The Lost King” also does an excellent job of bringing to life a certain proverb: “Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.” Bureaucrats and academics have no problem laughing behind Philippa’s back when she goes around trying to get support for digging up the parking lot, but their tunes change after her mission is successful, and many have no qualms about shoving her out of the spotlight and covering themselves with glory once the news crews come around.

Through it all, the quiet fire in Philippa is never extinguished. Something else that is inspiring is her enduring relationship with John. Even though their marriage is over, he remains a constant source of encouragement and support in her life, which is something all divorced parents should aspire to be to each other.

“The Lost King” releases March 24 in select theaters.