Additional Coverage:
- Jennifer Lawrence commits to the surreal Die My Love – but something has been lost in translation (the-independent.com)
Cannes Contender “Die My Love” Falls Short of Expectations
Lynne Ramsay’s “Die My Love,” an adaptation of Ariana Harwicz’s acclaimed novel, arrived at Cannes with significant buzz. The pairing of Ramsay, known for her visually arresting and psychologically intense films like “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” with Jennifer Lawrence, taking on a complex role reminiscent of her turn in “Mother!”, seemed like a recipe for success. Unfortunately, the film struggles to capture the novel’s power, resulting in a disjointed experience that fails to live up to its potential.
The story follows Grace (Lawrence) and Jackson (Robert Pattinson) as they relocate from New York to the countryside following the death of Jackson’s uncle. Ramsay employs a fragmented narrative, jumping between timelines and showcasing bursts of intense imagery: a raging forest fire, the couple dancing frenetically, a shattering bottle. After the birth of their child, Grace descends into a restless state, fueled by boredom and isolation, while Jackson’s frequent absences exacerbate her deteriorating mental state.
While the film features striking visuals, the constrained 4:3 aspect ratio creates a sense of confinement that works against the story’s exploration of Grace’s unraveling. Lawrence’s performance, while committed, feels somewhat one-note, lacking the nuance and surprise of the character’s inner turmoil as depicted in the novel.
In contrast, Robert Pattinson delivers a nuanced performance as Jackson, conveying both his exasperation with and concern for his wife. His portrayal adds depth to a character who could have easily been overshadowed by Grace’s struggles. However, the film’s lack of a strong narrative structure leaves Lawrence with little to work against, isolating her performance rather than allowing it to flourish.
Ultimately, “Die My Love” struggles to translate the interiority of Harwicz’s novel to the screen. While the film boasts strong performances and visually compelling moments, the fragmented narrative and lack of a clear emotional arc prevent it from reaching the heights of its source material.