Insights from Cannes Press Conference

Actress Jennifer Lawrence shared candid reflections on her journey through motherhood and postpartum experiences during a press conference for her latest thriller, Die My Love. The film explores a new mother’s descent into madness, a theme that resonated deeply with Lawrence, who had recently welcomed her first child.

Challenges of Motherhood

During the conference, Lawrence articulated the emotional turmoil of distinguishing between her own maternal instincts and those of her character. “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,” Lawrence stated.

She elaborated on the isolating nature of postpartum depression: “It’s extremely isolating… extreme anxiety and extreme depression is isolating, no matter where you are. You feel like an alien.”

About the Film and Its Themes

Die My Love, which also stars Robert Pattinson as her struggling husband, premiered to acclaim, including a six-minute standing ovation. Based on Ariana Harwicz’s 2017 novel, the film explores the complexities of a woman’s mental health challenges and their effects on family dynamics.

Lawrence noted that she filmed the movie while five months pregnant with her second child, highlighting how motherhood profoundly altered her life and approach to her craft. “Having children changes everything. It changes your whole life. It’s brutal and incredible,” she explained.

Pattinson’s Perspective

Robert Pattinson, who also became a father last year, offered his thoughts on the intricate dynamics of parenthood within relationships. He remarked on the struggle to redefine roles after having a child, emphasizing a lack of understanding and communication as common challenges. “He doesn’t seem to be the guy who is looking at TikTok reels of parenting… just kind of hoping the relationship will go back to what it was,” he said.

In a lighter moment, Pattinson humorously added that fatherhood provided him with newfound energy, which elicited laughter from the audience.

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges

When asked about the most challenging day on set, Lawrence recounted the discomfort of filming intimate scenes, recalling a suggestion from director Lynne Ramsay. “She said, ‘You’ll do it naked, yeah?’ And we’re like ‘Oh, OK,’” revealing the intensity of their first filming experience.

Critical Reception

Following its premiere, Die My Love garnered various reviews, with Variety’s Owen Gleiberman highlighting Lawrence’s powerful performance. He remarked on the raw intensity of her portrayal, noting her ability to convey both rage and vulnerability: “You feel the power of her presence… she’s an ace wastrel.”