Getting Lost

I had the chance to attend the UK premiere of this documentary at The Phoenix Cinema in London. Over the next two hours we touched on the originality of the show's writing, the music, the impact on the cast and crew, the controversies associated with the show and most important the connections the show allowed us to develop with other people. Friendships, marriages, families and charities all arose from this fandom and the documentary manages to capture all of this flawlessly. Lost was a paradigm shift in television, in many positives ways but even in ways that weren't for the best it inspired a landscape in television where future creatives don't have to fall down the same traps. A must watch for anyone touched (or frustrated) by the show, 10/10.

I'm making this short and only really adding this review because Lost IS my favorite show and I'm passionate about it. Basically I'm agreeing with everyone that's said it had way too much "fan" stuff, and then the whole writers room crap. Yeah, I actually bought this on Apple TV and wouldn't have if I knew it was going to take that spin at the end. They hook you at the beginning and then preach at yeah at the end. This wasn't the place for that. It was already in that book. Just focus on the show. That's it.

I loved Lost, even the ending! There is quite a lot to enjoy in this film, especially when the stars of the show are talking about the series so fondly. What I didn't like was that it spent far too much time on fans of the show, a number of whom were really rather boring and totally self obsessed. It was more about them than the actual show!! This got worse later on when there was talk of some toxicity on the show, giving these narcissistic fans a chance to wallow in victim mentality droning on about diversity and inclusion etc. This was followed by the sob stories and illnesses suffered by some of these fans. I wanted to watch those from the show not people I have absolutely no interest in. I'd give it a higher score if they cut out the dreary fans.

I knew this documentary would be fantastic. I didn't know it would create such an emotional response. It was like visiting dear friends that I have not seen for 20ish years. Seeing them reminisce and tell behind-the-scene stories was delightful, and I found myself pulled into their world once again. The director addressed some of the very uncomfortable aspects of the production with what I thought was a fair and balanced accounting of events and consequences. Refreshing to be able to delve into the dirt of this part of the story but still come out cheering at the end for the phenomenon it became.

Getting Lost, Taylor Morden's documentary about the mid-2000s cultural phenomenon Lost, brings a refreshing and much-needed perspective on a show that defined an era of television. While the documentary has received some critiques for focusing more on the impact Lost had on its fans rather than an in-depth exploration of the show itself, I believe this choice was both intentional and thoughtful.

For those expecting a deep dive into behind-the-scenes stories, this isn't the film to quench that thirst. While there is plenty of that to go around, the making-of content for Lost has been thoroughly covered in DVD extras, special features, and a plethora of interviews throughout the years that most of us have already watched. What Getting Lost offers is something far more personal and poignant: a reflection on the way Lost has embedded itself into the lives of its fans and influenced popular culture.

What truly sets the documentary apart is its intimate exploration of fandom. It's not just a fan base; it's a community that rallied around the mystery, the heartbreak, the theory crafting, and the shared experience of watching the show as it aired. Morden captures this in a way that feels both nostalgic and celebratory, spotlighting a variety of voices, from casual viewers to superfans, who explain how Lost shaped their lives. Whether it's fans reflecting on the series' philosophical themes or discussing the thrill of weekly water-cooler conversations about the latest episode's cliffhanger, Getting Lost taps into what made Lost not just a TV show, but a cultural moment.

While some may lament the lack of focus on the making of the show, it's worth noting that Morden's documentary is more concerned with legacy than logistics. It examines why Lost has endured for more than two decades, remaining a touchstone in the conversation about TV's golden age. Fans will find themselves reminiscing about the way the show made them think, feel, and even connect with others in ways they didn't expect. It celebrates the profound emotional impact of Lost, even as it grapples with its controversial finale and the unresolved questions that still linger.

This isn't a making-of documentary-it's a love letter to the fans and to the unique, immersive experience of watching Lost unfold. For that reason, it succeeds in ways that more technical documentaries may not. Morden doesn't just document the show's creation, he captures its essence-why we watched, why we cared, and how Lost became a part of our collective cultural memory.

So, if you're looking for a story about the mechanics behind Lost, this might not satisfy that craving. But if you want a documentary that captures the magic, mystery, and emotional journey that made Lost unforgettable, Getting Lost delivers in spades.