Die My Love review: Jennifer Lawrence is superb in this absorbing and quietly devastating drama

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A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Please be aware, this article discusses topics like self-harm and postpartum depression which could potentially upset some readers.

With the star-studded duo of Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson at the helm, masterfully directed by acclaimed Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, “Die My Love” is a compelling and subtly heartrending exploration of romantic entanglements.

At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, this exceptional production is set to compete and could once again bring attention to the exceptionally gifted actress, Lawrence. The intensity here seems reminiscent of her earlier works, particularly her Academy Award-nominated performance in Winter’s Bone.

Since neither Lawrence’s Grace nor her parents are living, it appears that she has put all her hopes on building a family with Jackson (Pattinson). With their newborn son in tow, they settle down in a run-down rural home previously inhabited by Jackson’s uncle. This place is rumored to be infested with rats and may have an unpleasant odor associated with death.

Later on, it’s revealed that Jackson’s uncle Frank tragically ended his life at that location. Simultaneously, not far away, Jackson’s mother Pam (played by Sissy Spacek) grapples with her father Harry (portrayed by Nick Nolte), who is struggling with dementia.

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In that family snapshot, you’d normally focus on the chaos, but Ramsay zeroes in on Grace instead. As time passes, we witness a gradual deterioration in her mental state, battling postpartum depression. It seems like she might have harbored these issues all along. A flashback to their wedding night reveals an intoxicated and unruly Grace. There’s a hint of self-harm and self-destructive tendencies within her genetic makeup, yet it’s evident that her affection for her child surpasses everything else in life.

At one point, Grace expresses that she doesn’t find it difficult connecting with her son. She admires him, saying he’s flawless. However, she finds everything else challenging. Ramsay skillfully intensifies the struggle, starting when Jackson acquires a dog whose incessant barking becomes increasingly irritating for both Grace and us. Combined with the persistent flies that seem to constantly invade their home, Ramsay creates a symphony of noise that, on some level, resonates within Grace’s mind.

One delightful aspect of Die My Love lies in its stunning cinematography by Northern Irish Director of Photography, Seamus McGarvey. Known for his work on Ramsay’s heart-wrenching adaptation of We Need To Talk About Kevin, this film could benefit from a double feature with Die My Love due to their shared themes of parental struggles. Throughout the movie, McGarvey skillfully employs his subtle techniques, often in the dimness of night, to reflect the growing gloominess of the characters. A notable scene involves ink stains dissolving into city lights, but McGarvey’s work is aesthetically pleasing throughout the film.

More reviews from the Cannes Film Festival:

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  • The Phoenician Scheme review: Wes Anderson’s latest is a quaint tale of industrial espionage

As a lover of artful storytelling, it’s incredibly delightful to witness the exceptional performances by veterans like Sissy Spacek and Tommy Lee Jones, two legends who don’t often get their moment in the spotlight these days. In one particularly poignant scene between Pam and Grace, the camera lingers on Spacek’s face, capturing her subtle expressions that speak volumes without uttering a single word. Additionally, LaKeith Stanfield’s character, shrouded in mystery, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, serving as an enigmatic figure that Grace appears to long for, a detail left tantalizingly unexplored by director Ramsay.

The character of Lawrence unfolds intricately throughout the movie, revealing layers as it progresses. While some may focus on its intense or explicit scenes (like nudity and self-harm), this film is not intended to startle viewers. Instead, it steers clear of sensationalism for the sake of it. Rather, it’s a masterfully constructed atmospheric piece that brilliantly highlights Lawrence’s acting abilities. She’s strongly contending for Best Actress in Cannes and may also garner more recognition during award season at the end of the year.

In defiance of Grace’s statements about detesting guitars, Ramsay constructs Die My Love into a climax, one that beautifully portrays a woman’s psychological voyage. At times it is heartrendingly sad, and may evoke emotions for those who have experienced postpartum depression, yet you won’t be able to look away.

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2025-05-19 14:05