Why ‘Lost Transmissions’ has Three People on its Poster

Lost Transmissions is a film about drugs, mental health, the inefficient support systems of America, and the dangers of partying in LA. Juno Temple delivers a delicate performance opposite an eccentric but ultimately ineffective Simon Pegg.

The film is heavy-handed in its themes of mental health and how the web of health care and policing isn’t conducive to actually helping people. The relationship between Pegg and Temple is really touching, but the film is too confident that the few opening scenes established enough of their relationship to justify the second act. Temple is devoted to Pegg’s recovery, but it’s not abundantly clear why. Initially, my theory was that the film wants us to think she’s doing it selfishly, in that she thinks that her artistic expression is only because of Pegg. That theory loses credibility by the third act, and is further diluted when she, somehow, finds her voice on her own. So the whole slog feels pointless because it’s so straightforward- and maybe that’s the point?

The film has legs. It has thematic grounding, and the (platonic) chemistry between the leads is palpable. The only issue I had was with the story, and how its resolution, pacing, and overall arch is sacrificed for the themes and character work. This is not a grave sin, but I think there was more that could have been done to bridge the gap and elevate the movie from good to great. Otherwise, I think that there’s still enough that people can enjoy the film thoroughly. I’d rate it a solid

YMMV

Also, Alexandra Daddario is in it for like three scenes, but she’s legitimately the third most prominent character, so she got on the poster too.

Wondering how my rating system works? Let me explain!