At the recent Cannes press conference for her highly anticipated film “Die My Love,” actress Jennifer Lawrence candidly shared her personal experiences with motherhood and postpartum challenges. The thriller follows a new mother spiraling into madness, mirroring some of the intense emotions Lawrence faced while filming. “As a mother, it was really hard to separate what I would do as opposed to what she would do. And it was just heartbreaking,” she expressed, referring to the emotional weight of her role.
Lawrence, who has recently welcomed her first child, described the feeling of postpartum depression as “extremely isolating.” She noted how the character Lynne, who moves to Montana with her husband, lacks a supportive community. “The truth is, extreme anxiety and extreme depression is isolating, no matter where you are. You feel like an alien,” Lawrence stated, highlighting the universal struggle of new mothers facing mental health issues.
“Die My Love” premiered to critical acclaim, receiving a remarkable six-minute standing ovation. This gripping film is adapted from author Ariana Harwicz’s 2017 novel, which delves into the chaotic life of a new mother confronting psychosis due to postpartum depression. The strain of the wife’s mental health battle disrupts the couple’s marriage, making it a poignant exploration of love and resilience.
In a remarkable revelation, Lawrence shared that she filmed “Die My Love” while five months pregnant with her second child. “Having children changes everything. It changes your whole life. It’s brutal and incredible,” she remarked, emphasizing the profound impact motherhood has on her personal and professional life. She explained how being a mother has influenced her creative process, stating, “They’ve taught me — I mean, I didn’t know that I could feel so much. My job has a lot to do with emotion. It’s almost like feeling a blister or something — like, so sensitive.”
Co-star Robert Pattinson, who became a father last year, shared his thoughts on the complexities of parenthood and relationships. He noted that navigating his role in the relationship post-baby is challenging. “He doesn’t seem to be the guy who is looking at TikTok reels of parenting and stuff,” Pattinson said about his character's lack of understanding. He added, “Like he’s just a guy, hoping the relationship will go back to what it was.”
During the conference, a lighthearted moment unfolded when Pattinson humorously noted that having a child provided him with “the biggest trove of energy and inspiration.” In response to his quip, Lawrence jokingly asked, “You get energy?” This exchange elicited laughter, as Pattinson acknowledged the complexities of discussing fatherhood. “What Jennifer said, I’m here just to support,” he concluded, highlighting how parenthood has transformed his approach to work.
When asked about the most challenging day on set, Lawrence recalled filming one of the movie's intimate scenes. “The day before our first day, Lynne showed Rob and I a scene from ‘If’ and these characters are attacking each other like tigers. And she said, ‘You’ll do it naked, yeah?’ And we’re like ‘Oh, OK,’” she shared, revealing the vulnerability required for the role.
“Die My Love” has garnered positive reviews at Cannes, with Variety’s Owen Gleiberman describing it as a “showy mess of a marital psychodrama.” He praised Lawrence’s performance, noting, “You feel the power of her presence, the hellbent quality of her rage.” His commentary highlights the film's exploration of intense emotions and the chaos surrounding motherhood.
As Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson continue to navigate their new roles as parents, their insights into motherhood and fatherhood resonate deeply, making “Die My Love” not just a film, but a reflection of real-life challenges faced by many.
