CANNES, France — The Cannes Film Festival was set ablaze with the premiere of “Die, My Love,” the latest project from acclaimed Scottish director Lynne Ramsay. The film captivated audiences and received a standing ovation lasting six minutes, highlighting its strong impact and cinematic quality. “Die, My Love” is now vying for the prestigious Palme d’Or.
Ramsay, visibly moved by the reception, expressed her gratitude, momentarily overwhelmed by the moment. “Wow. I’m so grateful. Thanks to these amazing actors,” she said before hurrying up the aisle, clearly needing a moment to collect herself.
Starring Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, the film presents a gripping portrayal of a woman’s descent into emotional turmoil. The tension between their characters unfolds as they grapple with their strained relationship, marked by intense conflict and heart-wrenching moments. Lawrence’s performance stands out, showcasing profound emotional upheaval as her character engages in self-destructive behaviors, leading to visceral reactions from the audience.
Adapted from Ariana Harwicz’s novel of the same name, “Die, My Love” centers on the struggles of a new mother dealing with postpartum depression, resulting in a harrowing descent into psychosis. Lawrence plays the mother, while Pattinson portrays her husband, caught in the fallout of her mental health crisis. The film’s robust supporting cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, and Nick Nolte. Although it currently lacks a U.S. distributor, industry insiders anticipate strong sales prospects following its Cannes showing.
Ramsay is no stranger to the Cannes scene, with her previous five feature films also making their debuts at the festival. Her directorial career began in 1999 with “Ratcatcher,” which won a BAFTA for outstanding debut. Over the years, Ramsay has established herself as a significant voice in cinema, returning to Cannes multiple times, including her 2011 competition debut with “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” which featured Tilda Swinton. Her 2017 film, “You Were Never Really Here,” secured accolades for its screenplay and Joaquin Phoenix’s performance. “Die, My Love,” is her first directorial venture in eight years.
Lawrence not only stars in the film but also served as a producer. During this year’s Cannes, she represented another production, the documentary “Bread and Roses,” which premiered in the special screenings section. However, this marks her first time competing at Cannes, despite her previous festival appearances at Venice with “mother!” and at Toronto with “Silver Linings Playbook,” which earned her an Oscar.
Pattinson, a frequent Cannes contender, adds “Die, My Love” to his impressive roster, which includes “Good Time,” “Maps to the Stars,” and “The Lighthouse.” Together, Lawrence and Pattinson’s performances promise to resonate with audiences and critics alike, further establishing Ramsay’s intense storytelling in contemporary cinema.