Review: Jennifer Lawrence gives everything to the wild, brutal 'Die My Love' but gets left dangling
The indie filmmaker Lynne Ramsay delivers a chaotic, intense drama featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson as overwhelmed new parents caught in a storm of conflict and destruction. The film opens with a chilling scene perfect for a horror movie—a quiet kitchen in an isolated ranch house where the tension immediately builds as Grace and Jackson (played by Lawrence and Pattinson) hesitate on their front porch before entering.
Jackson describes their rural home, recently inherited from his uncle who died violently upstairs, as "not New York but it's ours." His upbringing in the area is contrasted with his parents, Pam and Harry (Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte), who still live nearby. Although their prior city lives remain vague, hints emerge about lost dreams: Jackson's longing to play drums and Grace's past as a writer.
The narrative suggests their ambitions have stalled due to financial struggles, fading passion, or lack of talent. They settle into the house, have a baby, and descend into domestic turmoil.
“It’s not New York but it’s ours,” Jackson says of the rural home, left to him by his uncle who died violently upstairs in a way that Grace finds hilarious.
Key Characters
- Grace – portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence; a new mother dealing with intense emotional challenges.
- Jackson – played by Robert Pattinson; a man with unfulfilled dreams and a troubled past.
- Pam and Harry – Jackson’s parents, played by Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte, who live nearby.
Atmosphere and Themes
The film merges psychological drama with elements of horror, focusing on the unraveling psyche of new parents. It explores themes of lost aspirations, domestic conflict, and the haunting legacy of family trauma.
Director’s Style
Lynne Ramsay’s approach is intense and unyielding, creating a "stubborn and exasperating postpartum nightmare" that challenges viewers with its raw emotional portrayal and unsettling mood.
Author’s summary: Jennifer Lawrence delivers a fierce, vulnerable performance in Lynne Ramsay’s raw drama about new parenthood spiraling into chaos, though the film’s relentless tone leaves unresolved tension.