Lost in America

Lost in America

Year: 2020

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Documentary

"Lost in America" follows Rotimi Rainwater and his team as they explore the hidden crisis of youth homelessness in America. The film confronts difficult realities, including human trafficking, shortcomings in the foster care system, and systemic abuse. It sheds light on the experiences of vulnerable young people forced to survive on their own, highlighting the challenges they face and the urgent need for support.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Lost in America (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lost in America (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The film is set in the 1980s, a decade marked by economic prosperity and the rise of yuppie culture in America. This period saw a focus on materialism and career advancement, which drives the Howards' initial lifestyle. However, as they seek to escape these societal expectations, they confront the challenges and realities of living outside their former high-society existence.

Location

Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Safford, Arizona, New York City

The movie primarily takes place in Los Angeles, known for its entertainment industry and glamorous lifestyle, which serves as the backdrop for the Howards' initial struggle. Their journey takes them to Las Vegas, famous for its casinos, where a gamble leads to their financial downfall. The Hoover Dam represents a significant landmark in their travels, symbolizing both their aspirations and harsh realities. Ultimately, the couple finds themselves in Safford, a small town in Arizona, where they experience life away from luxury, before returning to the bustling life of New York City.

🏙️ City 🏜️ Desert 🌉 Landmark

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Main Characters – Lost in America (2020)

Meet the key characters of Lost in America (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David Howard

David is a classic yuppie who initially embodies the ideal of success in the corporate world, but his journey reveals his vulnerabilities. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy after losing his job and faces societal pressure to conform. David's character development throughout the film illustrates his realization of what truly matters in life.

👨‍💼 Yuppie 😟 Frustrated 🔍 Searching

Linda Howard

Linda is David's supportive wife, who is equally caught up in their high-society lifestyle. Her impulsiveness leads to significant consequences, reflecting her internal conflict between stability and excitement. Over the course of their adventure, Linda undergoes a transformation, learning what it means to truly thrive beyond material possessions.

🚺 Supportive 🎲 Impulsive 🌱 Transformative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Major Themes – Lost in America (2020)

Explore the central themes of Lost in America (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌪️ Disillusionment

The Howards' journey reflects a deep sense of disillusionment with the materialistic values of their society. Their initial excitement about abandoning their stable lives reveals the allure and deception of the American dream. As they face the consequences of their choices, the film examines the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.

💔 Struggle

David and Linda's adventure highlights the theme of struggle as they navigate the harsh realities of their decisions. From losing their savings to facing mockery in new jobs, their experience showcases the difficulties of starting over. The narrative emphasizes that breaking free from societal norms can come with unexpected challenges.

🔄 Redemption

In the end, David's desire to return to his old job signifies a theme of redemption. The couple learns to appreciate the stability they once took for granted, suggesting that growth often comes through understanding and acceptance. Their journey culminates in renewal, coinciding with the news of an upcoming child, hinting at new beginnings.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

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Social Satire Films with a Bittersweet Sting like Lost in America

Comedic stories that mock societal norms but end with a sobering lesson.If you enjoyed the satirical and humbling journey in Lost in America, this list features similar films where comedy meets critique. Discover movies that mock societal expectations, follow flawed characters on misguided quests for freedom, and ultimately deliver a sobering, bittersweet lesson about the comforts and constraints of the life they left behind.

satiricalregretfulhumblingcomediccautionaryresignedwry

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a character's arrogant rejection of their conventional life, sparking a quest for 'true freedom' or meaning. The plot then unfolds as a series of satirical set pieces where their idealistic plan logically unravels, leading to a humbling failure. The arc concludes not with triumph, but with a resigned return to a modified version of their old life, having gained wisdom at a significant cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a specific tonal blend: a comedic, often satirical presentation of a serious subject, paired with a steady, logical pacing that builds towards a humbling and bittersweet conclusion. The emotional weight is medium, focusing on regret and resigned acceptance rather than outright tragedy.

Movies About Humbling Downward Spirals like Lost in America

Stories of arrogant characters whose plans collapse, forcing a reckoning.Fans of Lost in America's story of financial and emotional collapse will find similar narratives here. This collection features films about characters on a humbling journey from arrogance to humility, where a single bad decision leads to a steady unraveling of their security and self-image, culminating in a bittersweet reckoning.

anxioushumblingcautionaryregretfuldownward spiralreckoningresigned

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern follows a linear descent. A character at the peak of their comfort or ego makes an impulsive choice, believing they are above consequence. The story then charts the logical, often predictable fallout of that choice, stripping away their assets, status, and pride. The conclusion is not about a triumphant comeback, but about accepting a diminished, yet wiser, reality.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a core narrative structure and emotional arc: a straightforward plot about a downward spiral, driven by character flaws rather than external villains. The pacing is steady, the emotional weight is medium, and the ending feel is consistently bittersweet, focusing on the hard-won lesson of humility.

Unlock the Full Story of Lost in America

Don't stop at just watching — explore Lost in America 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 in America is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Lost in America Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lost in America, 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 in America Summary

Lost in America Timeline

Track the full timeline of Lost in America with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Lost in America Timeline

Lost in America Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Lost in America that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Lost in America Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Lost in America

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Lost in America: 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 in America

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