Director: Brian Brough
Writer: Brittany Wiscombe
Starring: Sara Fletcher, Nick Ferry, Vivian Mathias
Two tourists in Turkey are abandoned by their tour bus and left stranded without their belongings. To make their way back to Istanbul, they must team up and rely on each other’s resourcefulness.
Lost in Love Red Full Review
The primary appeal of this charmingly formulaic romantic comedy lies in the vibrant presence of Agni Scott as the female lead. With her strong, independent character, magnetic allure, and natural beauty, she brings to mind '80s actress Diane Franklin, who, sadly, never had the chance to star in a film like this.
The plot itself, typical of the genre, revolves around an American archaeologist who travels to an unnamed Greek island in search of the biblical cup of poison rejected by St. John the Evangelist. Romance and complications emerge when he falls for a local widow, who runs a popular restaurant above the ruins where the artifact may be buried. Though the premise is a flimsy excuse for the romance, it works, thanks in large part to Scott’s irresistibly charming performance.
Sadly, Matthew Modine’s presence casts a shadow over the film. His whiny, schlubby persona, which has become tiresome over time, makes it hard to buy into his character. Even if his character weren’t written as a selfish jerk who’s disliked by everyone around him, Modine's nasally voice and off-putting performance make it difficult to imagine anyone falling for him. If you can imagine someone like Tim Matheson in the role instead, it might be easier to overlook this miscasting. Still, if you can push past that, the rest of the film offers a pleasant, if predictable, experience.
The picturesque Greek island setting is like a postcard come to life, an idyllic version of the country only seen in movies like this or yogurt commercials. A recurring gag involving three nuns making sardonic comments throughout the film adds a fun '60s-style romcom flair, and the local Greek characters are delightfully over-the-top.
The late Richard Griffiths, known for his role as Uncle Vernon Dursley in the "Harry Potter" films, unfortunately adds an element of discomfort to the film. His portrayal of Modine’s fellow scholar is endearing, but his visibly declining health—he passed away at 65—casts a sad shadow over his performance. His character is delightful, yet watching him struggle physically is poignant, and you can’t help but feel sympathy rather than admiration.
But ultimately, this film belongs to Agni Scott. Her radiant energy elevates every scene she’s in, and you’ll find yourself captivated by her every move. Whether she’s joyfully dancing on her birthday or cruising down a scenic Greek road on her bicycle, you’ll wish you were the one sharing these moments with her instead of the bumbling Modine.
It’s a mystery why Scott hasn’t become a bigger star, and after watching this film, it’ll likely puzzle you as well.
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