In “Die My Love,” Jennifer Lawrence rescues a film from itself

In “Die My Love,” Jennifer Lawrence Rescues a Film from Itself

Late in Lynne Ramsay’s "Die My Love" — a film oddly missing a crucial comma from its title — Jennifer Lawrence’s character, Grace, a young mother battling postpartum depression, raises a glass. “Live long and die out!” she declares to party guests celebrating her return from inpatient psychiatric care. This moment marks Grace’s assertion of independence and an acknowledgment that she can no longer embody the ideal woman her husband, Jackson (Robert Pattinson), and society expect her to be.

For the audience, however, these words resonate more as a reflection of the film itself, which, despite its strong start, eventually loses focus and wanes in engagement due to a drifting narrative. The slow-burning story exhausts its appeal, ultimately fading out after struggling to maintain cohesion.

Yet, much like fire that quickly spreads once ignited, Lawrence’s compelling performance shines brightly throughout. Her portrayal captures the raw physicality and emotional turmoil of Grace, effectively conveying her deteriorating mental state with profound vulnerability.

Lawrence’s performance combines intense physical expressions — crawling, screaming, scratching, and sneering — with a heartfelt portrayal of Grace’s ongoing battle between mounting delirium and fierce devotion to her newborn son.

“Live long and die out!” — Grace, character in “Die My Love”

Jennifer Lawrence’s nuanced embodiment elevates the film, making her character’s struggle deeply human and unforgettable despite the screenplay’s flaws.

Author’s summary: Jennifer Lawrence delivers a powerful, physically immersive performance in "Die My Love," rescuing the film from its unraveling narrative with authentic vulnerability and emotional depth.

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Salon.com Salon.com — 2025-11-07

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