This film begins with a teenage girl by the name of "Hope" (Moxie Owens) chatting on the internet with her former babysitter "Paige" (Cody Renee Cameron) who has taken up residence in Los Angeles and eventually lures Hope into coming to Hollywood to become a fashion model. The scene then shifts to a single mother known simply as "Baby Girl" (Psalms Salazar) who has just gotten fired from her job as a topless dancer and is not only behind on her rent and but also lacks any means to cover her other expenses. So, she turns to prostitution for a while but gets convinced by Paige and her friend "Destiny" (Brooke Haven) that she can make more money and provide a safer environment for her daughter if she also becomes a fashion model. What neither Hope nor Baby Girl realize is just how devious and narcissistic both Paige and Destiny are and soon they find themselves caught up in a web of degradation and sexual deviance they never thought possible. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this is not an enjoyable film to watch. However, it does convey a startling message that these kinds of deplorable abuses don't just happen in other countries--they also occur here in America and it's something everyone should know about. So, to a certain degree this was a powerful film as far as it goes. Unfortunately, there were also a couple of flaws that bear mention as well. First of all, the film doesn't provide adequate character identification, so it was difficult to figure out the names of anyone at any particular time--the character played by Psalms Salazar being one such example. Likewise, the ending also left much to be desired as it raised more questions than it answered. Throw in some rather sordid footage in between and it can easily repel some viewers along the way. Be that as it may, while this film may be difficult for some people to watch it does merit some attention and for that reason, I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
35 Reviews
Lost Girl(s)
kosmasp30 March 2022
It is not like we haven't heard about stories like that. Cautionary tales ... told or made to shine a light on something horrible that is happening. Or something that at least needs to change ... quite a lot to be honest. So while this morality piece is predictable as to where it leads (and it is quite painful to watch, even if it is not exploiting that pain too much), you may wonder if you really want to watch something as horrible as that.
That being said, the movie has merits for existing and unfortunately it is because what the story (or rather stories, because we do highlight different paths and struggles that do connect at some points) is saying and telling is relevant ... it would be easier to dismiss, if it was just fiction. Of course it also isn't every (hollywood) story ... that would be even more sad that it already is. Uncomfortable as it may be, it can be essential to some.
That being said, the movie has merits for existing and unfortunately it is because what the story (or rather stories, because we do highlight different paths and struggles that do connect at some points) is saying and telling is relevant ... it would be easier to dismiss, if it was just fiction. Of course it also isn't every (hollywood) story ... that would be even more sad that it already is. Uncomfortable as it may be, it can be essential to some.
Bargin Basement production with a Good Story.
rochfordsimon5 December 2020
Chunks of this film has terrible acting, dialogue, direction and production values. But once you are aware of that, you will keep watching. It has a good story and it's got a realistic backdrop.
I was a bit dubious wether to watch it or not. With a prominent female cast and writer/director, I was expecting a feminist agenda. To be fair, that's not the case. I'm sure if it had the budget for better actors (there were several good actors in this movie) and production, I'm sure it would be a commercial success.
It's the story that makes this interesting. Not the cheesy dialogue or performances in parts. Give it a watch.
I was a bit dubious wether to watch it or not. With a prominent female cast and writer/director, I was expecting a feminist agenda. To be fair, that's not the case. I'm sure if it had the budget for better actors (there were several good actors in this movie) and production, I'm sure it would be a commercial success.
It's the story that makes this interesting. Not the cheesy dialogue or performances in parts. Give it a watch.
Seriously, 7.8?
ks-6050019 December 2020
This was a surprisingly good movie...
paul_haakonsen6 December 2020
Right, well I didn't really have much of any high hopes for the 2020 movie titled "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" from writer and director Robin Bain. But still, it being a new movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I ended up sitting down to watch it.
And color me impressed. Now, now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I was impressed in the way that "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" was a masterpiece, not at all. But I was impressed in the way that the movie was actually entertaining and had an interesting enough story to tell.
The storyline told in "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" is one that depicts a very seedy side to the underbelly of Tinseltown (aka Hollywood). Now, how realistic, true or what not this depiction of the sex industry is, I have no idea, but I will say that writer and director Robin Bain managed to turn it into an entertaining enough movie that does paint a horrible picture.
I was intrigued that Dominique Swain was on the cast list, but she wasn't in the movie for 5 minutes, so that was somewhat of a disappointment for me. But hey, that hardly mattered, because they had cast some pretty nice talents for the movie. I must admit that I was really impressed with the performances of Moxie Owens (playing Hope), Cody Renee Cameron (playing Paige) and Psalms (playing Baby Girl). These actresses really carried the movie phenomenally.
It should be said that "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" is not a movie that will appeal to everyone in the audience, as it deals with some topics that can be rather controversial or sensitive.
Turns out that "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" was actually a wholehearted movie experience. This was a movie that definitely surprised me, and it is a movie that I think you owe to yourself to sit down and watch, just keep in mind that the movie might be a bit over the edge for some viewers.
I was genuinely entertained by the movie's storyline and its interesting character gallery. As such, I am rating the movie a seven out of ten stars.
And color me impressed. Now, now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I was impressed in the way that "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" was a masterpiece, not at all. But I was impressed in the way that the movie was actually entertaining and had an interesting enough story to tell.
The storyline told in "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" is one that depicts a very seedy side to the underbelly of Tinseltown (aka Hollywood). Now, how realistic, true or what not this depiction of the sex industry is, I have no idea, but I will say that writer and director Robin Bain managed to turn it into an entertaining enough movie that does paint a horrible picture.
I was intrigued that Dominique Swain was on the cast list, but she wasn't in the movie for 5 minutes, so that was somewhat of a disappointment for me. But hey, that hardly mattered, because they had cast some pretty nice talents for the movie. I must admit that I was really impressed with the performances of Moxie Owens (playing Hope), Cody Renee Cameron (playing Paige) and Psalms (playing Baby Girl). These actresses really carried the movie phenomenally.
It should be said that "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" is not a movie that will appeal to everyone in the audience, as it deals with some topics that can be rather controversial or sensitive.
Turns out that "Girl Lost: A Hollywood Story" was actually a wholehearted movie experience. This was a movie that definitely surprised me, and it is a movie that I think you owe to yourself to sit down and watch, just keep in mind that the movie might be a bit over the edge for some viewers.
I was genuinely entertained by the movie's storyline and its interesting character gallery. As such, I am rating the movie a seven out of ten stars.
Little girls need their daddy's - 10/10 STARS
chokdee14 December 2020
As a woman who grew up without a father, this film hit me to the core. My heart broke not only for myself as I recalled my own past, but for the women in the film as their stories tragically unfolded before my tear-filled eyes. This film does an amazing job of demonstrating the potential results of an absentee father. I'm literally crying while writing this. Without revealing any spoilers, the story revolves around a teen who is disregarded by her dad in favor of his pregnant "hook up", a single-mom who is just trying to keep her head above water and 2 escort/strippers who have been so used and abused through the years that they turn on the most weak and vulnerable without any conscience whatsoever. The acting from all the women in the film is spot on. I felt the pain, the hope, the angst from each and every one of them. The writing and dialogue is so true to life it almost feels like a documentary at times. A line from the film: "Little girls need their daddy's." I burst into tears. 10/10 Stars. I cannot recommend enough.
Can't get past the awful acting.
fabiio1 January 2021
Good work
nuindo16 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe this should have been a documentary, but then you'd see guys with muscle escorting the girls to various orgies etc. The good about this movie: very good guerilla filmmaking. Indie film -- compared to the pablum put out by Hollywood, this is refreshing. If one of the girls had fought back, even if they died, I would like it better.
Attempts to tackle a potentially real issue
mariolsofia-3492110 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The movie attempts to tackle a potentially real issue, but there are so many holes and flaws in the script/plot that it becomes implausible.
Much of the acting is not great. This doesn't help the storyline. In terms of the mother who claims she has no other option to feed her child, the story never explains why and leaves the audience questioning her motives. Why can't she clean houses, become a waitress or work in a factory like many other people have to do each day but wish they didn't have to? Maybe there's a genuine reason, but the movie doesn't tackle this important problem. So I was left assuming she was just after a quick way to make money and hence I couldn't feel the compassion that perhaps I should've been left feeling.
With the young girl, I actually felt a little compassion, as this is probably a very real problem in Paedowood. Her father is shown twice in the movie and you don't get a feeling as to whether he's abusive or just doesn't care about her. Unless I missed it, the story doesn't explain where her real mother is either, so you're not left feeling she has had a tough upbringing and had no other choice than to run away. I was a little disturbed with how young the actress appears to be in this movie and can only assume she is not over the age of 18. To show her in so many provocative scenes where she is half naked is quite sickening and I almost turned it off. I just felt that this might detract from the real message and actually fulfill some paedo viewer's sick fantasy instead. I realise this happens in Paedowood and elsewhere, and it is very confronting, especially the way in which she is lured into the industry by a person she believes she can trust.
I give the movie a 5/10 because it attempts to deliver a strong message, and no matter how poor the acting was, I thought the storyline was almost realistic, but the movie itself was not executed well. With a bigger budget, I'm sure it would've been a whole lot better, so kudos to the production team for developing a half decent movie with good camera work, lighting and a half decent script.
Much of the acting is not great. This doesn't help the storyline. In terms of the mother who claims she has no other option to feed her child, the story never explains why and leaves the audience questioning her motives. Why can't she clean houses, become a waitress or work in a factory like many other people have to do each day but wish they didn't have to? Maybe there's a genuine reason, but the movie doesn't tackle this important problem. So I was left assuming she was just after a quick way to make money and hence I couldn't feel the compassion that perhaps I should've been left feeling.
With the young girl, I actually felt a little compassion, as this is probably a very real problem in Paedowood. Her father is shown twice in the movie and you don't get a feeling as to whether he's abusive or just doesn't care about her. Unless I missed it, the story doesn't explain where her real mother is either, so you're not left feeling she has had a tough upbringing and had no other choice than to run away. I was a little disturbed with how young the actress appears to be in this movie and can only assume she is not over the age of 18. To show her in so many provocative scenes where she is half naked is quite sickening and I almost turned it off. I just felt that this might detract from the real message and actually fulfill some paedo viewer's sick fantasy instead. I realise this happens in Paedowood and elsewhere, and it is very confronting, especially the way in which she is lured into the industry by a person she believes she can trust.
I give the movie a 5/10 because it attempts to deliver a strong message, and no matter how poor the acting was, I thought the storyline was almost realistic, but the movie itself was not executed well. With a bigger budget, I'm sure it would've been a whole lot better, so kudos to the production team for developing a half decent movie with good camera work, lighting and a half decent script.
Pretty cheap but good story
TimTimTimmayy31 December 2020
Not good and its not due to its low budget
Opacus_Music5 December 2020
This movie was very badly acted and badly directed, period! Actors looking at the camera (more than once for that matter), very mediocre acting in general. Doesn't feel even remotely genuine. The whole thing just feel like a lame excuse to show sex and nudity and some very questionable content with an underage actress. Sure, the movie tackles real life subjects and situation but so clumsily that it defeats its purpose completely. Overall, its not deserving of a watch other than for all the wrong reasons in which case, I would simply suggest that you look at some cheesy soft-core B movie that at least doesn't try to pretend to be socially conscious and serious.
Great Indie Franchise
bbx-4773214 February 2021
Really sad movie but so good. I like this new one better than the 1st. FYI for anyone who doesn't know, there is a 1st Girl Lost movie from the same writer and director. This is the 2nd one. I hope they make a 3rd. This is a great little indie franchise about women living on the edge in Los Angeles.
The direction is not the best
nickpedersen14 March 2021
The story should be gripping and heart breaking. But it fails in the direction of the actors. I dont care about any of the people in the movie, because its so full of stereotypes... And they are just shallow and hollow.
It seems that the director lacks knowledge, understanding, and adulthood in these kind of peoples lifes.
The actors in the movie did a great job, but they were misdirected.
I didnt rekognize Dominique Swain until I saw the credits! Wow! She has changed a lot!
The music is fantastic!
And the story is very interesting, but executed shallow and hollow.
Hollywood has not figured out how to tell this story
infoalwaysacritic30 December 2020
Although this story is not one that hasn't been told in part in other films, Hollywood has yet to figure out how to tell it responsibly and accurately and this film is no exception.
Hope is a minor that comes from a home wherein she is abused by her babysitter and neglected by her parents. Her path into the sex industry crosses faintly with the other primary character who travels from stripping and dancing topless to more extreme behaviour in an effort to provide for her child.
Overall there is a story told that progresses into more intense exploitation as the film goes on, but in the process the filmmakers go off the rails as they expose child and adult actors to exploitation themselves in their attempts. The intensity of the film grows with each passing minute that crosses lines, pushing them and progressing them unwillingly and further into the life of a sex-worker.
The tragic nature of the character's journeys are emotional at times when engaging in conversations with others who want the best for them. However, the adult character engages in stylistic soft-porn while the viewer is lead to feel that the tragedy is really for her daughter and not so much for herself, and at times in front of child actors. The underage character is herself playing a sexualized role, dancing provocatively in her underwear, talking sexy and touched and caressed by others in intimate fashion.
If you are looking for voyeuristic titillation, it is better found elsewhere than this soft-rendition of pedophilia and soft-porn. If you are looking for a hard-expose or insight into the lives of sex-workers, Hollywood has not learned how to tell this story responsibly or accurately and this film is no exception.
Hope is a minor that comes from a home wherein she is abused by her babysitter and neglected by her parents. Her path into the sex industry crosses faintly with the other primary character who travels from stripping and dancing topless to more extreme behaviour in an effort to provide for her child.
Overall there is a story told that progresses into more intense exploitation as the film goes on, but in the process the filmmakers go off the rails as they expose child and adult actors to exploitation themselves in their attempts. The intensity of the film grows with each passing minute that crosses lines, pushing them and progressing them unwillingly and further into the life of a sex-worker.
The tragic nature of the character's journeys are emotional at times when engaging in conversations with others who want the best for them. However, the adult character engages in stylistic soft-porn while the viewer is lead to feel that the tragedy is really for her daughter and not so much for herself, and at times in front of child actors. The underage character is herself playing a sexualized role, dancing provocatively in her underwear, talking sexy and touched and caressed by others in intimate fashion.
If you are looking for voyeuristic titillation, it is better found elsewhere than this soft-rendition of pedophilia and soft-porn. If you are looking for a hard-expose or insight into the lives of sex-workers, Hollywood has not learned how to tell this story responsibly or accurately and this film is no exception.
Tale of exploitation via low budget exploitation
MTNmovieMan10 January 2021
Movie attempts to tell the story of the sex trade apparently without knowing anything about the sex trade. But with bad everything; writing, acting, photography, sound, you name it, they manage to convey the simple truth that not everyone is cut out for Hollywood. Not even pandemic grade viewing. AVOID!
Movie suck big time
jacobarnard-2496318 December 2020
What was the Point?
jsscnrd6 December 2020
I often go into these 'BEWARE THE SEX TRADE' movies with a heavy dose of salt, fully expecting them to be, not only downright insulting, but also extremely exploitative.
This film, not twenty minutes in, blew me away with the absolute, shockingly over-the top dialogue, the vapid nature of the script, the complete lack of realism or any sort of tact or grace for the subject matter, the absurdity & entire lack of respect, BY THE DIRECTOR, for the protagonists, or any of the other characters at all....I mean, really, I could go on and on.
I couldn't fully watch through, I fast-forwarded and skipped my way past moment after moment of tasteless, awkward, gaudy scenes....this film seems more like it was written to fulfill some sort of perverted nightmare....some dark, fetish-fueled cinematic thill...this seems like a film created in the middle of a suburban neighborhood... sexually-charged, deliberately provocative, dreamt up by insidious, creepy, strangely unnerving people. It was icky. It was not a good portrayal of ANYTHING remotely realistic. Nothing but mongering and tropes. Gave it a two because at least it's got decently nice-looking camera quality, and good lighting, I guess.
This film, not twenty minutes in, blew me away with the absolute, shockingly over-the top dialogue, the vapid nature of the script, the complete lack of realism or any sort of tact or grace for the subject matter, the absurdity & entire lack of respect, BY THE DIRECTOR, for the protagonists, or any of the other characters at all....I mean, really, I could go on and on.
I couldn't fully watch through, I fast-forwarded and skipped my way past moment after moment of tasteless, awkward, gaudy scenes....this film seems more like it was written to fulfill some sort of perverted nightmare....some dark, fetish-fueled cinematic thill...this seems like a film created in the middle of a suburban neighborhood... sexually-charged, deliberately provocative, dreamt up by insidious, creepy, strangely unnerving people. It was icky. It was not a good portrayal of ANYTHING remotely realistic. Nothing but mongering and tropes. Gave it a two because at least it's got decently nice-looking camera quality, and good lighting, I guess.
Serious Issue, Realistic but Bad Acting & Somewhat Disturbing Decision to Sexualize a Minor in the Movie Itself
soulfx-119 December 2020
So it's an indie film and that excuses a lot of smaller gripes, but the acting is pretty bad. Specifically the character of Beth, who is played out as a one-dimensional evil character for the purposes of the movie.
The movie doesn't shy away from nudity and the odd part is that for a movie that's about how people try to sexualize children, the movie itself sexualizes the actor playing the young girl - with unnecessary nudity and scenes meant to appeal to perverts.
Kind of gross the director would sink to completely tasteless shots of the girl being raped (which were also comically bad in acting - guys licking their lips and other silliness).
The one upside is that the movie ends realistically and wasn't shy in showing that these stories seldom have a happy ending.
The movie doesn't shy away from nudity and the odd part is that for a movie that's about how people try to sexualize children, the movie itself sexualizes the actor playing the young girl - with unnecessary nudity and scenes meant to appeal to perverts.
Kind of gross the director would sink to completely tasteless shots of the girl being raped (which were also comically bad in acting - guys licking their lips and other silliness).
The one upside is that the movie ends realistically and wasn't shy in showing that these stories seldom have a happy ending.
My eyes are bleeding
fridasclosetsa9 March 2022
Wtf I just watched? Why this movie have a high score? Why they need to be homophobic and chauvinist to talk about sex industry? I mean that's no connection at all! The acting and the direction are absolutely terrible, the only thing that save at some moments is the photography, the story is cliche and that's no evolution of it! A empty plot and overdramatic! A waist of time!
The debauchery, the manipulations... Hollywood
gigifoo5 December 2020
Oh Hollywood. I've had the pleasure of living in this cesspool for almost 25 years now and I have to say that the director captured this hellhole spot on. The drinking to numb the pain. It's all very tragic.
I thought all of the actresses were totally believable in their roles with a standout performance from Pslams who played Baby Girl, a single mom who supports her little girl by working as an escort. Girl, you had me bawling my eyes out more than once.
The storyline is unique and intriguing. How the writer connected all the characters was seamless and the dialogue sticks with you. It felt very real -- "Im a very bad girl." LOL. "I'm a very bad girl, too, girl!" I saw another reviewer mention the line about "Little girls need their daddy's". Absolutely heartbreaking line. I was once a little boy who needed his daddy. This is the longest review I've ever written, but I can't shake this movie. A very intense roller coaster ride through the hell called Hollywood. Note to parents - love your daughters and sons. This film is a must see.
I thought all of the actresses were totally believable in their roles with a standout performance from Pslams who played Baby Girl, a single mom who supports her little girl by working as an escort. Girl, you had me bawling my eyes out more than once.
The storyline is unique and intriguing. How the writer connected all the characters was seamless and the dialogue sticks with you. It felt very real -- "Im a very bad girl." LOL. "I'm a very bad girl, too, girl!" I saw another reviewer mention the line about "Little girls need their daddy's". Absolutely heartbreaking line. I was once a little boy who needed his daddy. This is the longest review I've ever written, but I can't shake this movie. A very intense roller coaster ride through the hell called Hollywood. Note to parents - love your daughters and sons. This film is a must see.
overly dramatic
tomatechines21 August 2021
Wish it was more
sweekjuliana-5137321 July 2021
I was excited to watch this because it clearly deals with a very real problem, but wow this acting was just.... Horrendous. Turned it off when the girls were on the hike around the "Hollywood sign" and it was the most obvious green screen I've ever seen and the acting was so cringey...lol. Could have been eye opening and a great message, but it was ruined with the directing and acting.
Depressing
billcr1226 January 2022
It goes downhill from the opening with a teen girl online performing in her underwear while saying she has been a bad girl and wants to be gang raped. I should have given up early. She wishes to model in Hollywood but reality sets in with rent to be paid. Two older escorts pimp the girl and we also get a single mom hooking to pay her bills. Depressing does not adequately describe this film. Avoid it at all cists.
This felt real
rfbatista21 August 2022
As soon as I heard the first lines it caught my attention. What makes this movie different it's the beauty of staying away of the hollywoodization. The idea of being exploited, having illegal substances, or alcohol, or being a sex worker is not romanticized at all.
Now, being more objective, this is a movie with a low budget.
The movie doesn't follow a color palette, some scenes had too much brightness (as in the pool scene). The last scene wasn't aesthetically nice.
We get to see some neon color so that we can perceive that disco-party-freedom type of thing.
The acting was a 5.2/10. Some characters were there just to fill a place and that's it. The protagonist didn't transmit that feeling of desperation about being lonely, exploited, or used by several old men with no consent; she was more like "oh. I'm leaving"
At last, I would like to say that I do understand that there is no character development in this movie and I think that it is what makes it real. It's a sad but real ending.
Now, being more objective, this is a movie with a low budget.
The movie doesn't follow a color palette, some scenes had too much brightness (as in the pool scene). The last scene wasn't aesthetically nice.
We get to see some neon color so that we can perceive that disco-party-freedom type of thing.
The acting was a 5.2/10. Some characters were there just to fill a place and that's it. The protagonist didn't transmit that feeling of desperation about being lonely, exploited, or used by several old men with no consent; she was more like "oh. I'm leaving"
At last, I would like to say that I do understand that there is no character development in this movie and I think that it is what makes it real. It's a sad but real ending.
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