Lion (2016)

Lion (2016) tells the true story of Saroo Brierley, a five‑year‑old boy from a poor village in India who becomes accidentally separated from his family after falling asleep on a train and waking up hundreds of miles away in Calcutta. Lost, frightened and unable to communicate his origins, he survives as a street child before being placed in an orphanage and later adopted by an Australian couple. The film follows Saroo into adulthood as he struggles with memories of his past, grows up in Tasmania, and becomes determined to find the family he was forced to leave behind. Viewing Lion is an emotional journey: intimate, often wrenching scenes of childhood loss and survival contrast with warmer, tender moments of family life in Australia. Performances (notably Dev Patel and the child actor who plays young Saroo) anchor the story, while the film’s careful pacing lets grief, guilt and the stubborn hope of reunion build gradually. The search itself unfolds with quiet obsession, modern resourcefulness and finally catharsis, giving the story a satisfying emotional payoff. Expect a visually evocative, character‑driven drama about identity, belonging and the bonds of family — both the ones you’re born into and the ones you choose. Viewers will likely leave moved and reflective: saddened by the hardships Saroo endures, grateful for the love that saves him, and uplifted by the perseverance that leads to an ultimately powerful reunion.

Actors: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara

Director: Garth Davis

Runtime: 118 min

Genres: Biography, Drama

7.3 /10 69 /100 8.0 /10 7.4 /10