The Lost Princess Review: An Engaging Adventure!

Hicham Hajji’s The Lost Princess sweeps audiences into a world where love defies tradition and secrets linger within the walls of an ancient Moroccan castle. Against the vast, sun-soaked landscapes of Morocco, the film unravels a tale of forbidden romance, ancestral ties, and the haunting echoes of the past. Adventure, romance, and drama are intricately woven together, creating a tapestry of longing and destiny that transcends generations. Through striking visuals, Hajji explores the powerful clash between cultural expectations and love.

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The story begins with American billionaire Alec Touati, who, while on a spiritual journey, experiences a vivid Ayahuasca vision that transports him to a bloody battle and leads him to an old haunted castle in Morocco. His search for identity brings him to Hana, a young woman connected to the castle’s mysterious past. Through Hanna, Alec learns about her mother, Princess Nour, who was forced into an arranged marriage with a Saudi prince and falls deeply in love with the castle’s caretaker—a charismatic pianist. Their forbidden romance faces grave danger when Nour’s pregnancy threatens to expose their secret. As Alec uncovers the layers of this tragic love affair, he realizes that the threads of this history are deeply entwined with his own search for meaning.

One of the undeniable highlights of The Lost Princess is its spectacular visual presentation. Considering Hicham Hajji’s background as a top commercial filmmaker, it’s no surprise that the film’s visual style is meticulously crafted and undeniably cinematic. What truly sets it apart is that, despite being primarily shot outdoors, it never once feels like a low-budget effort. The cinematography by Ayoub Lamrani is consistently striking, capturing the rugged beauty of the Moroccan deserts with an epic grandeur that rivals big studio features.

The lighting and production design work harmoniously to create a sense of both realism and romantic nostalgia. It’s evident that the makers didn’t cut corners when it came to making the movie look grand, and the choice of filming in such spectacular locations enhances the film’s sense of scale and immersion. Each sweeping shot of the desert landscapes and the corridors of the castle feels purposeful, adding weight to the film’s narrative ambitions.

Introducing @GaryDourdan as Nassim in #TheLostPrincess.
Pre-order now! Available on May 13. pic.twitter.com/yBBmhxD46H

— Hicham Hajji (@HichamHajji) April 29, 2025

The performances in The Lost Princess bring the story to life with a sense of sincerity and charm. Cillian O’Sullivan is convincing as Alec, the bewildered billionaire whose quest for identity leads him into the depths of Morocco’s hidden secrets. He portrays Alec’s confusion and curiosity with a grounded performance that keeps the character relatable, even amidst surreal visions and ghostly encounters.

Gary Dourdan shines as the mysterious caretaker, doubling as a charming pianist from the past whose connection to Princess Nour is both magnetic and tragic. His presence adds layers of depth to the story, blending nostalgia with an aura of mystique. Meanwhile, Melodie Casta as Hanna and Soraya Azzabi as Princess Nour deliver strong performances, imbuing their characters with both resilience and vulnerability. Their roles are essential in weaving the narrative threads of love and loss, making their on-screen moments genuinely impactful.

While The Lost Princess succeeds visually and boasts solid performances, the film’s storytelling ambitions seem slightly constrained by its runtime. The narrative is rich with potential—particularly with the compelling backstories of Princess Nour and the echoes of the Hispano–Moroccan War. These elements are ripe with dramatic tension and historical depth, yet the film’s 95-minute runtime feels restrictive for such expansive storytelling.

Did you know that #TheLostPrincess was entirely shot in Marrakesh area and mainly at @La_Mamounia hotel?
Pre-Order now on AppleTV iTunes movies, available on may 13 everywhere else. pic.twitter.com/XUJFvHPTLC

— Hicham Hajji (@HichamHajji) May 4, 2025

The setup is captivating, but the pacing sometimes rushes through crucial moments, leaving little room for the romance to blossom naturally or for the dramatic stakes to fully mature. With more time dedicated to character development, relationship building, and atmospheric tension, the film could have achieved greater emotional resonance. As an Indian viewer, it’s easy to imagine how this plot could have thrived in a two-hour-and-thirty-minute epic, with room for musical interludes, heightened drama, and elaborate set pieces. Such a format might have given this movie the space it needed to breathe and fully explore its grand ideas.

Overall, The Lost Princess is a visual treat that benefits from its stunning Moroccan landscapes, compelling performances, and ambitious narrative. Hicham Hajji’s experience as an ad filmmaker is evident in the film’s polished aesthetics and grand sense of scale. However, while the movie is rich in atmosphere and concept, its ambitious story occasionally feels underserved by its brief runtime. Still, it’s an engaging adventure that beautifully captures the essence of forbidden love, cultural heritage, and the haunting grip of the past.

‘The Lost Princess’ Rating – 3.5/5

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