The Lost City of Z (2017) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Lost City of Z (2017), directed by James Gray, is an epic historical adventure that tells the captivating true story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, played by Charlie Hunnam. Adapted from the 2009 nonfiction book by David Grann, the film follows Fawcett’s relentless pursuit of a mythical city deep within the uncharted Amazon jungle in the early 20th century. Driven by his obsession to uncover the lost civilization, Fawcett faces perilous journeys, personal sacrifices, and a quest that will consume him for decades.
This review explores the plot, themes, performances, and cinematic achievements of The Lost City of Z while offering details on where to stream or rent the film in the U.S., with a particular focus on popular streaming platforms and rental services.
Plot Summary: An Obsession with the Unknown
The film begins in 1905 with Percy Fawcett, a skilled British officer, reluctantly sent on an expedition by the Royal Geographical Society to map the uncharted Amazonian jungles of Bolivia and Brazil. Fawcett, who seeks to restore his family’s tarnished reputation, views this as an opportunity to distinguish himself. During his first journey into the dense and dangerous jungle, he uncovers evidence of ancient pottery and ruins, suggesting the existence of an advanced, forgotten civilization—a “lost city.”
Fawcett returns to England and, despite skepticism from the scientific community and his peers, becomes consumed by the belief that the fabled “City of Z” exists. His obsession leads him to embark on multiple expeditions over the following years, often at great personal cost. Fawcett’s wife, Nina (Sienna Miller), must care for their children alone, while Fawcett’s relationships with his colleagues, including fellow explorer Henry Costin (Robert Pattinson), grow strained.
The heart of the film lies in Fawcett’s insatiable drive to uncover the truth and defy the limits of his time, even in the face of danger, illness, and skepticism. His final journey into the Amazon, alongside his son Jack (Tom Holland), is both a testament to his legacy and a mystery that has intrigued historians and adventurers for over a century.
Themes: Ambition, Obsession, and the Unknown
The Lost City of Z delves into themes of ambition and obsession, exploring how Fawcett’s desire to make a groundbreaking discovery transforms into an all-consuming passion. The film examines the fine line between a noble quest for knowledge and the destructive nature of obsession, as Fawcett’s fixation on finding the lost city causes tension within his family and casts doubt on his reputation among his peers.
The film also addresses the theme of the unknown—both the physical unknown of the Amazonian wilderness and the metaphorical unknown of human curiosity. Fawcett’s exploration becomes a metaphor for the human desire to push boundaries, challenge accepted wisdom, and uncover hidden truths, even when the outcome is uncertain or perilous.
Additionally, the film critiques the colonial attitudes of the time, particularly the notion that indigenous peoples were incapable of having advanced civilizations. Fawcett’s discovery of ancient ruins stands in opposition to the prevailing European belief in the superiority of Western civilization, forcing characters to confront their biases about the so-called “savages” of the jungle.
Performances: Charlie Hunnam Leads with Conviction
The film’s success hinges largely on Charlie Hunnam’s commanding performance as Percy Fawcett. Hunnam portrays Fawcett with intensity, balancing the character’s dogged determination with moments of vulnerability and doubt. His portrayal captures the complexity of Fawcett’s character, showcasing both his intellectual curiosity and the personal cost of his obsession.
Sienna Miller delivers a strong performance as Nina Fawcett, who is left to manage the household and raise their children while her husband is off on his dangerous expeditions. Though she is initially relegated to the role of a supportive wife, Nina becomes a more prominent figure in the second half of the film, asserting her own intelligence and ambition, which were constrained by the gender norms of the time.
Robert Pattinson is almost unrecognizable as Henry Costin, Fawcett’s loyal companion. Pattinson’s understated performance provides a quiet contrast to Hunnam’s intensity, and the chemistry between the two actors adds depth to the film’s exploration of loyalty and friendship.
Tom Holland, who plays Fawcett’s son Jack, delivers an earnest and heartfelt performance, particularly during the latter part of the film when father and son embark on Fawcett’s final expedition together. Holland’s portrayal of Jack highlights the generational impact of Fawcett’s obsession and adds emotional weight to the film’s climax.
Cinematography and Direction: A Lush and Immersive Experience
Director James Gray, known for his work on films like We Own the Night and The Immigrant, takes a methodical and contemplative approach to the material. Rather than focusing on action or spectacle, Gray allows the story to unfold at a deliberate pace, giving the audience time to absorb the film’s themes and visuals.
Cinematographer Darius Khondji captures the Amazon in all its untamed beauty, creating a stark contrast between the dense, mysterious jungle and the stifling confines of British high society. The film’s color palette and lighting evoke a sense of both awe and danger, immersing the viewer in Fawcett’s world of exploration.
Khondji’s cinematography shines during the film’s numerous jungle scenes, where the overwhelming beauty of nature is paired with the ever-present threat of danger. The dense vegetation, shimmering rivers, and sweeping landscapes become characters in their own right, reflecting Fawcett’s growing obsession with the unknown.
Gray’s direction also emphasizes the psychological toll of exploration, particularly in the way he portrays Fawcett’s deteriorating mental state as his obsession deepens. The film builds a sense of unease and tension as Fawcett’s expeditions grow more perilous and his search for the lost city becomes more desperate.
Where to Watch The Lost City of Z Online: Streaming and Rental Options
If you’re eager to watch The Lost City of Z online, there are several options available in the U.S. Here are the most popular streaming and rental platforms:
1. Amazon Prime Video
The Lost City of Z is available to stream for free with an Amazon Prime Video subscription. You can also rent the film in HD for $3.99 or purchase it for $14.99. Amazon Prime offers a seamless viewing experience on a wide range of devices.
2. Apple TV
The movie is available for rental or purchase on Apple TV. You can rent The Lost City of Z starting at $3.99 or purchase it for $14.99. Apple TV’s platform provides high-quality streaming, making it an excellent choice for watching this visually stunning film.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play offers The Lost City of Z for rental at $3.99 and purchase at $12.99. It’s a convenient option for those using Android devices, and the film can be streamed in HD on mobile, desktop, or through Chromecast.
4. Vudu
The Lost City of Z is available on Vudu for rental starting at $3.99 and for purchase at $12.99. Vudu is known for its excellent streaming quality and compatibility with various devices, making it a solid choice for viewers.
5. YouTube Movies
You can also rent or buy The Lost City of Z on YouTube Movies. Rentals typically start at $3.99, while purchasing the film costs $12.99. YouTube Movies is a convenient option for streaming on any device with internet access.
6. Hulu (with Starz add-on)
The Lost City of Z is available to stream on Hulu with the Starz add-on. If you have a Hulu subscription with Starz, you can watch the film as part of your package. The Starz add-on comes with a wide range of movies and series, making it a worthwhile investment for film buffs.
Conclusion: A Thoughtful and Ambitious Adventure
The Lost City of Z is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that takes viewers on a journey into the unknown, both in terms of physical exploration and psychological depth. Charlie Hunnam’s compelling performance as Percy Fawcett anchors the film, supported by strong turns from Sienna Miller, Robert Pattinson, and Tom Holland. James Gray’s direction and Darius Khondji’s breathtaking cinematography bring the Amazon jungle to life, making it both a beautiful and dangerous place.
The film’s themes of ambition, obsession, and the pursuit of knowledge resonate long after the credits roll, making The Lost City of Z a compelling watch for fans of historical dramas and adventure films. With several streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to dive into this fascinating story of exploration and discovery.
