That's probably because there is no edit data in the xmp files.
It sounds like you didn't have this turned on in LR? Three reasons to enable XMP files in Lightroom Classic - Photofocus
I don't know why you're so obsessed with this? He just added a black Solid Color layer then masked it around the boy. It's kindergarten Photoshop.
He used the Shift key of course. https://www.damiensymonds.net/2010/10/shift-while-brushing.html
You're lucky. Every calibrator on the market will run on that computer.
Get the best one you can afford.
https://www.damiensymonds.net/which-monitor-calibrator-to-buy/