Wednesday, Film4, 6:40pm
Garth Davis’ Lion (2016) is a deeply moving film about identity, loss, and the search for belonging, following the true story of Saroo Brierley, who was separated from his family in India as a child and later adopted by an Australian couple. Dev Patel delivers a powerhouse performance as the adult Saroo, struggling with the emotional weight of his past. The film’s cinematography captures both the sweeping landscapes of India and the sterile, detached spaces of his new life in Australia, emphasizing his internal conflict. But what elevates Lion beyond its already poignant narrative is its evocative score and soundtrack, which masterfully underscore Saroo’s journey through memory and longing.
The film’s score, composed by Dustin O’Halloran and Hauschka, is an exercise in restraint and subtle emotion. Their blend of delicate piano melodies and ambient string arrangements creates an aching, almost meditative atmosphere, mirroring Saroo’s introspection. The standout track, “River”, is particularly effective, using minimalist piano and swelling orchestration to evoke both the vastness of Saroo’s search and the intimacy of his memories. Alongside the score, Never Give Up, an original song by Sia, plays over the end credits, offering a contemporary emotional release. With its rhythmic pulse and haunting vocals, the track captures Saroo’s perseverance and ultimate catharsis.
The soundtrack of Lion is as much about what is unsaid as what is heard. The film’s use of silence—often punctuated only by the soft hum of the score—heightens Saroo’s isolation and the gaps in his identity. It is a reminder of how music, like memory, can be both comforting and painful, grounding us in the past while propelling us forward. In Lion, sound isn’t just an accompaniment; it’s an emotional bridge, guiding both Saroo and the audience through a journey of loss, discovery, and homecoming.