Based on the Romance Novel: ‘The Lost Husband’ Review

Quiet dramas don’t always get the recognition they deserve. This is certainly true of this one, a story that made little or no fanfare upon its digital release.

The Lost Husband (2020) Film Review

Living in her mother’s house is too much for Libby Moran (Leslie Bibb). Already in a strained relationship with her shallow minded mother, Libby packs up her minivan, and with her two children, she moves to the Hill Country of Texas. There she lives on a goat farm her Aunt Jean (Nora Dunn) operates. Needing a place to heal, Libby takes this opportunity to figure out what’s next for her, Abby and Tank.

As her children seem to thrive in this environment, Libby tries to figure out how to move on from a painful past even as she clashes with farm manager, James O’Connor (Josh Duhamel). Her aunt may need more help than she lets on, but Libby isn’t certain what she needs, but what she does know is she wants to be nothing like her mother. To start, she is ready to find a home for herself and her children.

BOOK REVIEW | ‘Stay with Me’: One Lovely Romance Novel of Redemption

Based on the novel of the same name penned by the popular author Katherine Center; an author who, until very recently, I had never heard of. As a result I have as not yet read a book by her, but if this script is an indication of her writing, I have a feeling they’d be novels I’d enjoy. The story’s title may be ambiguous (I see it as an emotional meaning versus physical), but the story itself is really quite good.

Moving at a slow, unhurried pace, this reminds me of a Nicholas Sparks story, only this isn’t nearly as romance heavy. This one is more of self-journey healing (in ways I didn’t anticipate for one character) and family. It’s a lovely drama, so long as you don’t mind that slow stride. One of the things most interesting about this is Josh Duhamel. I’m so used to seeing a more “polished” character from him, so to see this “gruff” exterior character is a jolt. That said, he grows on the viewer, and in the end, we come to understand him. This is also a new role for me to see Leslie Bibb (American Housewife) in, but she plays it very well. In fact, everyone is good.

Perhaps what impresses me the most out of everything is how well this story does what it does. While its primary focus is on Libby finding “next,” there is moments of beautiful romance (there IS tension here, it’s just of the good understated kind). Though not sweeping, it does feel very authentic to these characters. Not just this, but it’s also very healthy to see a romance that doesn’t “fall” too quickly because these characters need to first find some peace. This doesn’t mean there aren’t still some cute moments (like the first kiss!) intertwined in the plot.

In the end if you enjoy a good drama, The Lost Husband is this.

(Disclosure: this post does contain affiliate links; if you buy anything through these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. Thank you to anyone who makes a purchase through these links. Read the disclosure page for details.)

You can find The Lost Husband to rent or own, digitally, on Amazon Video

PINTEREST PIN

Content: There’s some minor profanity, a suggestive comment or two; and thematic elements (bullies). Overall this is a very “clean” PG-13.

Photos: Six Foot Pictures