Jennifer Lawrence has electrified the Cannes Film Festival with the highly anticipated world premiere of “Die, My Love,” the latest directorial effort from the acclaimed Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. This gripping film received an impressive 6-minute ovation following its premiere, a clear indication of the audience's enthusiasm. “Die, My Love” is currently in competition at Cannes, vying for the prestigious Palme d’Or.
In an emotional moment, Ramsay cut her own ovation short, visibly moved by the reception. “Wow. I’m so overwhelmed. Thanks to these amazing actors. I’ve got to get it together, I’ll see you in a minute,” she remarked before rushing up the aisle and out of the Palais, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance.
The film showcases Jennifer Lawrence and her co-star Robert Pattinson as formidable adversaries, engaging in intense bickering and ultimately spiraling into emotional oblivion. This tense portrait of a woman unraveling under pressure reveals the raw and visceral reactions of the Cannes audience, particularly during scenes of self-inflicted violence. Lawrence's character smashes her head into mirrors, jumps through glass panes, and scratches the walls until her fingers bleed, a powerful depiction of her psychological struggles.
“Die, My Love” is based on the critically acclaimed 2017 novel by Ariana Harwicz, which centers around a new mother who experiences psychosis stemming from severe postpartum depression. In the film, Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence takes on the role of the mother, while Robert Pattinson portrays her husband, whose marriage is thrown into chaos as his wife battles her mental health issues. The supporting cast features notable actors such as LaKeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, and Nick Nolte.
Despite not yet securing a U.S. distributor, “Die, My Love” is anticipated to be a significant sales title emerging from the Cannes Film Festival. Lynne Ramsay is a veteran of the festival, with all five of her feature films premiering at Cannes. Her debut film, “Ratcatcher,” premiered in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section in 1999 and earned her a BAFTA Award for outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer.
Ramsay made her return to Cannes in 2021 with “Movern Callar” as part of Directors’ Fortnight, and she first competed in the Cannes competition in 2011 with the critically acclaimed “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” which starred Tilda Swinton. She made another notable return to competition in 2017 with “You Were Never Really Here,” which won Cannes awards for best screenplay and best actor for Joaquin Phoenix.
“Die, My Love” marks Lynne Ramsay’s first directorial effort in eight years. Interestingly, Jennifer Lawrence, who also served as a producer for the film, attended the 2023 Cannes Film Festival to promote the documentary “Bread and Roses,” which premiered in the special screenings section. However, “Die, My Love” is significant as it is the first time Lawrence has competed at Cannes. Previously, she has debuted films at other prestigious festivals, including Venice with “mother!” and TIFF with “Silver Linings Playbook,” which earned her an Oscar for best actress.
Robert Pattinson is no stranger to the Cannes Film Festival, with “Die, My Love” joining his impressive list of premieres that includes “Good Time,” “Maps to the Stars,” and “The Lighthouse.” As the festival continues, both Lawrence and Ramsay are poised to draw attention, not only for their artistic contributions but also for the powerful themes explored in “Die, My Love.”
