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The Lost City (2022) movie poster

Characters & Themes

The Lost City (2022) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2022 · 92 min · English
Echo score 63
JustWatch #954 41
Directed by
Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
Starring
Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum, Oscar Nuñez, Raymond Lee, Daniel Radcliffe, Sandra Bullock
Budget
$74M

A reclusive romance novelist, Loretta Sage, is taken on a perilous expedition by a quirky billionaire who believes she holds the key to a lost city’s treasure. Her cover model, Alan, a handsome and adventurous man, sets out to find her, determined to demonstrate that he's more than just a face. Together, they navigate dangerous traps and face thrilling challenges in a race to uncover the ancient city's secrets.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like The Lost City
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch The Lost City (2022)

Where can you watch The Lost City? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix, Netflix Standard and Paramount Plus Essential: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

The Lost City Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of The Lost City (2022), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Loretta Sage

    played by Sandra Bullock

    Loretta is a talented romance novelist grappling with the aftermath of her husband's death. Her character evolves from a reclusive writer into a resourceful woman daring to confront danger. Loretta's intelligence and creativity fuel her journey, ultimately leading to self-discovery and love.

    • ✍️ Writer
    • 🧠 Intelligent
    • 💪 Resilient
  • Alan Caprison

    played by Channing Tatum

    Alan, the charming cover model, portrays the character Dash from Loretta's novels. Initially portrayed as somewhat superficial, he grows into a courageous ally, displaying unexpected bravery as he defies the odds to rescue Loretta. His feelings for her transform his motivations throughout the film.

    • 👨‍🎤 Model
    • ❤️ Romantic
    • 🦸‍♂️ Heroic
  • Jack Trainer

    played by Brad Pitt

    Jack is a former Navy SEAL and CIA operative tasked with rescuing Loretta. His cleverness and tactical skills make him a crucial ally in the quest. Beneath his tough exterior lies a genuine concern for Loretta, which adds depth to his character.

    • ⚔️ Operative
    • 🧭 Adventurous
    • 👮‍♂️ Protector
  • Abigail Fairfax

    played by Daniel Radcliffe

    Fairfax is a billionaire obsessed with finding the Crown of Fire, believing Loretta can lead him to it. His cunning and manipulative nature drives the conflict in the story, showcasing the darker sides of ambition and greed.

    • 💰 Wealthy
    • 😈 Antagonist
    • 🔍 Obsessed

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

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Setting

Where and When Does The Lost City Take Place?

The setting of The Lost City (2022): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The timeline of the movie is contemporary, reflecting modern societal issues alongside the adventure. This period is defined by themes of technology, media influence, and the thrill of treasure hunting, all resonating with current cinematic trends.

Location

Remote Island, Jungle, Atlantic Ocean

The movie traverses through a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean, known for its lush jungles and hidden treasures. This setting provides an adventurous backdrop, rich in both natural beauty and peril. The cenote, a natural water body in the jungle, plays a pivotal role as a site of discovery and intrigue.

  • 🏝️ Island
  • 🌴 Jungle
  • 🌊 Ocean

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

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3 major themes

The Lost City Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is The Lost City (2022) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Love and Loss

    The theme of love interweaves through the narrative, highlighted by Loretta's grief over her deceased husband and the budding romance between her and Alan. Their journey showcases the longing for connection amidst chaos and danger, ultimately leading to healing and new beginnings.

  • Adventure

    Adventure defines the essence of the film, as Loretta and Alan navigate treacherous jungles and face perilous situations in their quest for the fabled Crown of Fire. The excitement and unpredictability of their journey evoke a classic treasure hunt experience.

  • Creativity and Storytelling

    The film delves into the power of storytelling, with Loretta's background as a romance novelist serving as a framework for her adventures. This theme highlights how narratives shape our lives and perceptions, culminating in Loretta's successful new book inspired by her real-life escapades.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:30

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Character & theme questions

The Lost City Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about The Lost City (2022): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Who is Loretta Sage in the movie?

Loretta Sage is a talented romance novelist who has withdrawn from public life after her husband's death. She is portrayed as intelligent and creative, initially living as a reclusive writer before being thrust into a dangerous real-life adventure that transforms her into a resourceful and daring protagonist.

  • loretta sage
  • main character
  • romance novelist
  • sandra bullock
Q2

What is Alan's role in the story?

Alan Caprison is the handsome cover model who poses as the character Dash from Loretta's romance novels. Initially appearing somewhat superficial, he evolves throughout the film into a courageous ally who sets out to rescue Loretta, determined to prove he is more than just a pretty face.

  • alan caprison
  • cover model
  • channing tatum
  • dash character
Q3

Who is Abigail Fairfax and what does he want?

Abigail Fairfax is a wealthy billionaire who becomes the film's main antagonist. Obsessed with finding the legendary Crown of Fire, he kidnaps Loretta because he believes her novels contain clues to the lost city's location. His cunning and manipulative nature drive much of the conflict, showcasing the dangerous extremes of ambition and greed.

  • abigail fairfax
  • villain
  • billionaire
  • crown of fire
  • daniel radcliffe
Q4

Where is The Lost City set?

The movie takes place primarily on a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean, featuring lush jungles and treacherous terrain. A cenote, a natural water body within the jungle, plays a pivotal role as a site of discovery and intrigue throughout the treasure hunt.

  • remote island
  • atlantic ocean
  • jungle
  • cenote
  • setting
Q5

What is the Crown of Fire?

The Crown of Fire is the fabled treasure that drives the central conflict of the film. This ancient artifact is the object of Abigail Fairfax's obsessive quest, and finding it is the goal that propels Loretta and Alan through their dangerous jungle adventure.

  • crown of fire
  • treasure
  • ancient artifact
  • lost city
Q6

Who is Jack Trainer?

Jack Trainer is a former Navy SEAL and CIA operative who is tasked with rescuing Loretta from her kidnappers. He brings tactical skills and cleverness to the quest, serving as a crucial ally. Though appearing tough on the surface, he harbors genuine concern for Loretta's wellbeing.

  • jack trainer
  • navy seal
  • cia operative
  • brad pitt
Q7

What is the love and loss theme about?

The film explores love and loss through Loretta's journey of grieving her deceased husband while gradually opening herself to new connection. Her budding romance with Alan represents healing and new beginnings, showing how love can emerge from chaos and danger.

  • love
  • loss
  • grief
  • healing
  • romance
  • Loretta's husband
Q8

How does the movie address creativity and storytelling?

The film delves into the power of storytelling through Loretta's career as a romance novelist. Her fictional narratives become reality during the adventure, and her experiences ultimately inspire a successful new book. The movie highlights how stories shape our lives and perceptions.

  • storytelling
  • creativity
  • romance novelist
  • books
  • narrative
Q9

What role does adventure play in the film?

Adventure is central to the film, as Loretta and Alan navigate treacherous jungles and face perilous situations in their quest for the Crown of Fire. The excitement and unpredictability of their journey evoke a classic treasure hunt experience, driving the plot forward.

  • adventure
  • treasure hunt
  • jungle
  • exploration
Q10

When is the movie set?

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal elements such as technology, media influence, and the enduring appeal of treasure hunting. This modern setting blends classic adventure tropes with current cinematic trends.

  • contemporary
  • modern
  • time period

Movie threads

More Movies Like The Lost City, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes The Lost City tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Action-Packed Rom-Com Adventures like The Lost City

Thrilling quests where opposites attract and sparks fly amidst the chaos. If you enjoyed the blend of romance and adventure in The Lost City, this list features movies with similar vibes. Discover other exciting stories where couples find love and danger on thrilling quests, perfect for fans of lighthearted, fast-paced fun.

  • romantic
  • adventurous
  • humorous
  • exciting
  • lighthearted
  • banter-filled
  • Tone: light, humorous, romantic
  • Pacing: fast, event-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives often pair two contrasting personalities—often one reluctant and one overly enthusiastic—on an unpredictable journey. The external plot of a treasure hunt or rescue mission parallels their internal journey of overcoming differences and discovering a deeper connection, all while navigating physical dangers and comedic obstacles.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their successful fusion of genuine romantic tension with exciting, fast-paced adventure. They share a light tone, a focus on character-driven humor, and a structure where the action serves the relationship arc, resulting in a consistently fun and uplifting experience.

Comedic Treasure Hunt Quests like The Lost City

Hilarious races for ancient riches, full of quirky characters and silly traps. Fans of The Lost City's treasure hunt plot will love these movies. This collection highlights hilarious adventures and jungle expeditions where the search for fortune is packed with comedy, lighthearted danger, and quirky heroes.

  • adventurous
  • humorous
  • quirky
  • exciting
  • unlikely heroes
  • jungle expedition
  • Tone: lighthearted, quirky, exciting
  • Pacing: fast, sequential
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot follows a clear, straightforward quest for a fabled artifact or treasure, driven by a charismatic or dubious benefactor. The focus is on the comedic set-pieces—elaborate traps, incompetent henchmen, and the protagonists' improvisational skills—rather than deep suspense or horror, leading to a satisfying discovery.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their use of a classic adventure framework as a vehicle for comedy. They prioritize humor over grit, feature charmingly flawed heroes rising to the occasion, and maintain a breezy, optimistic tone throughout the perilous journey.

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Movies Like The Lost City

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Every angle

The Lost City (2022) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about The Lost City in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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