Grace, a writer and young mother, is slowly slipping into madness. Locked away in an old house in Montana, her increasingly agitated and erratic behavior leaves her companion, Jackson, worried and helpless.
(C) THR
Admittedly, not everything made sense. Does this mean something? Why did that happen? Is this reality? The film also becomes self-indulgent: it goes on and on, even reaching what feels like multiple possible endings.
But that seems intentional. I was never confused in a negative way, nor was I bored. The film makes you think countless thoughts and raises a few questions, all while refusing to answer a lot of them. Instead, it wants you to feel it. It creeps up on you. The audience is pulled into Grace’s (Jennifer Lawrence) descent into madness through terrifying sound design and gorgeous cinematography. Join the ride.
Director Lynne Ramsay is fully in control here, and it’s uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing. Yes, it’s an uncompromising showcase of postpartum depression. At the same time, it’s also a raw look at a relationship challenged by major shakeups in their lives, as Jackson’s (Robert Pattinson) choices only make things worse. Amidst all the terror, there are smaller moments that elevate the film — whether it’s a single line from Pattinson or a simple response from Sissy Spacek.
Speaking of Lawrence, what else can we say about this incredibly talented performer? She goes for the jugular here, as if mother! was just an appetizer. She remains one of the most gifted among her peers, and this performance is another one for the books.
Die My Love has its faults, but when you have Jennifer Lawrence acting her heart out, you go see it. 3.5/5 ⭐️
