Lost Girls

Lost Girls

Year: 2020

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Liz Garbus

DramaMysteryThriller

When 24-year-old Shannan Gilbert disappears, her mother, Mari, refuses to give up hope. Determined to find answers, Mari investigates her daughter's disappearance and uncovers a disturbing pattern of unsolved murders along Long Island's outer banks. As she digs deeper, she confronts police corruption and a community harboring dark secrets, relentlessly pursuing justice for Shannan and other missing women.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lost Girls yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Lost Girls (2020)

Trace every key event in Lost Girls (2020) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Family Dinner Day

On the day scheduled for a family dinner, Mari Gilbert's eldest daughter, Shannan, goes missing. This troubling event marks the beginning of Mari's desperate search for her daughter, shifting her life dramatically.

Day of the family dinner New York
2

Initial Search Begins

As days pass without any word from Shannan, Mari, accompanied by her daughter Sherre, embarks on a frantic search. Their determination reveals a growing sense of urgency as they reach out to friends and track down possible leads.

Days after Shannan's disappearance New York
3

Discovery of Shannan's Secret Life

During their investigation, Mari learns shocking details about Shannan's hidden life as a sex worker in Long Island. This revelation significantly strengthens Mari's resolve to find her daughter and bring her home.

Days after going missing Long Island
4

Meeting with Detective Bostick

Mari seeks help from Detective Dean Bostick, who downplays her concerns about Shannan's disappearance. His dismissal leaves Mari frustrated and more determined to undertake her own investigation.

After meeting Bostick Police Station
5

Major Development in the Case

A pivotal moment occurs when a dog discovers human remains on the highway, diverting the investigation into a possible serial killer case. The authorities begin to uncover multiple bodies, escalating the search for Shannan.

Weeks after Shannan's disappearance Highway
6

Tireless Advocacy for Justice

Growing frustrated with law enforcement's lack of urgency, Mari starts printing missing person posters and visits the police station daily. Her relentless efforts are aimed at raising awareness of Shannan's case and those of other missing girls.

Weeks into the investigation New York
7

Joining Forces with Other Families

Mari finds solidarity with other families who are searching for their missing loved ones. Together, they rally and plaster posters of Shannan in the area where she was last seen, amplifying their calls for justice.

During the community effort New York
8

Confrontation with Commissioner Dormer

Fuelled by anger, Mari confronts Commissioner Richard Dormer about the negligence surrounding the disappearances of young women. This encounter solidifies her transformation from a grieving mother into a fierce advocate for justice.

During a public meeting Community Gathering
9

Hints from an Informant

An informant, Joe Scalise, contacts Mari, suggesting that Dr. Peter Hackett may be involved in the disappearances. This revelation prompts Mari to dig deeper into the police's investigation methods and available evidence.

During the investigation
10

Hidden Evidence Revealed

Mari learns that crucial security footage from the night Shannan disappeared has not been reviewed by authorities. Her discovery highlights the systemic failures in the investigation and fuels her determination to hold law enforcement accountable.

Following the informant's tip
11

Shocking Discovery of Bodies

Detective Bostick reveals to Commissioner Dormer that the bodies of the missing girls have remained undiscovered for fifteen years in the same location. This shocking truth reverberates through the community and adds urgency to Mari’s quest.

Weeks into the investigation Long Island
12

A Mother's Heartbreak

Mari wrestles with the heart-wrenching realization that Shannan's situation might have prevented the discovery of other victims. This personal anguish is compounded by the knowledge that her daughter had been in foster care, complicating their family story.

After learning about other victims
13

Public Demand for Justice

As Mari's frustration crescendos, she promises to seek public justice for Shannan if law enforcement does not respond. Her unwavering stance embodies the fight for justice for not only her daughter but other victims as well.

Days leading to the vigil
14

Grim Discovery

In a tragic conclusion, the marshland is drained, leading to the grim discovery of Shannan's remains. This harrowing moment serves as a painful acknowledgment of the failures that marked her search.

After public demands Marshland
15

Vigil for Justice

As the anniversary of Shannan's disappearance approaches, Mari organizes a vigil, calling for justice for all victims. Her emotional plea captures national attention, representing the resolve of families affected by these tragedies.

Anniversary of Shannan's disappearance Public Vigil

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 19:25

Unlock the Full Story of Lost Girls

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lost Girls in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Lost Girls is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lost Girls Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lost Girls, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Lost Girls Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lost Girls

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Lost Girls. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Lost Girls

Lost Girls Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Lost Girls? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Lost Girls Ending Explained

More About Lost Girls

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lost Girls: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Lost Girls

Similar Movies to Lost Girls

Discover movies like Lost Girls that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.