Film Review - Die, My Love
Images courtesy of Madman Films.
They both started out in two of Hollywood’s most popular YA franchises, but now Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson are two of the industry’s most acclaimed and respected actors. Much to the delight of anyone who was a teenager in the early 2010s, J-Law and R-Patz unite for a film that truly showcases how far they have come in their careers - Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love.
Grace (Lawrence), an aspiring writer, and her partner Jackson (Pattinson) move into a rural Montana home inherited from Jackson’s uncle. They seem to have a passionate and electric romance, and eventually become parents to a baby boy. However, as they try to adjust to their new surroundings and parenthood, the cracks start to show. Jackson is frequently absent due to work, leaving Grace isolated and locked away. Her behaviour starts to become increasingly more erratic and violent, as she slowly slips into madness and delirium. Grace finds some solace in Jackson’s mother Pam (Sissy Spacek), who is struggling to care for her dementia-affected husband Harry (Nick Nolte), and can therefore sympathize with Grace’s recklessness. Despite this, it is Jackson who is unable to understand or fulfil Grace’s needs as a partner, and as a result, cannot help her. Their lives slowly descend into chaos and unhinged territory.
Die My Love is unapologetic in how loud it is, from the ferocity of its characters to blasting music that will have eardrums ringing. It can be overwhelming to the senses, but the energy perfectly matches the suppressed rage bubbling within Lawrence’s character. The depiction of post-partum depression in the film is definitely extreme, but those watching who have suffered may actually appreciate the bold and all-out approach. As for Lawrence and Pattinson, they are electric both individually and as a duo. It’s an exhilarating experience watching them go back and forth at each other as they slowly lose their minds. Lawrence should specifically be given credit for a physically demanding and almost animalistic performance as a woman practically bursting to break free from her shackles.
While Die My Love is full of feeling and atmosphere, the style over substance approach does mean that the story suffers. Director Lynn Ramsey is a filmmaker who clearly knows how to leave an impact (see 2011’s We Need To Talk About Kevin). However, imagery and ambiguity take the place of emotional stakes and payoffs, leaving the viewer more confused and in the dark. The film also suffers from pacing that can get tedious and repetitive, as there are only so many times one can watch Lawrence crawl around on all fours. Die My Love’s biggest sin, though, is the complete waste of the excellent LaKeith Stanfield. Steinfeld plays a guy who rides around Grace and Jackson’s home on a motorcycle at night, sleeps with Grace, and that's about it. It’s hard to know exactly what the point of his character is.
Die My Love excels as a showcase for Lawrence and Pattinson, two actors at the top of their A-game. However, as a narrative, it fails to be truly effective due to its filmmaking choices.
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Die, My Love is screening in cinemas now. For tickets and more info, click here.