Plot: What’s it about?
I’ve mentioned, in past reviews, how some stars seem to appear in films that the masses have never heard of. Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lawrence are two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, though not every film they appear in is a mainstream $100 million dollar release. But it’s a refreshing change of pace when you do have “A listers” in a film that, well, might not need them. Such is the case, I believe, with Die My Love. The film, based on Ariana Harwicz’s 2012 novel of the same name, takes a look at human nature as well as not painting the “perfect pretty picture” that many associate wit having an idealistic life. Despite being “who they are” both Lawrence and Pattinson have done films like this that more closely identifies them with their roles here. Pattinson’s The Lighthouse and Lawrence’s mother! are the two best parallels that I can draw and I’m sure those were taken into consideration when being cast (well, that and Lawrence served as the film’s producer based on Martin Scorsese’s recommendation she do the film).
Grace (Jennifer Lawrence) and Jackson (Robert Pattinson) have just moved into an idyllic house that belonged to his uncle. We see that Grace is in the mood for love, almost constantly and Jackson seems to have no issues with that. Who wouldn’t? But once she has a child, things chance. a Grace is stricken with a case of postpartum depression which takes a serious toll on her mental health. Jackson’s mother, Pam (Sissy Spacek) attempts to offer her support, though it’s a wasted effort. Grace and Jackson begin to grow apart as she begins to engage in bizarre behaviors and becomes fixated in Karl (LaKeith Stanfield) whom she sees around town. Things go from bad to worse.
I’ll be the first to admit that though I’m married, I’ve not fathered any children (at least none that I know of), so the concept of postpartum depression is something I know nothing about (nor do I really care). I’m not saying it’s not a real thing, clearly it is, but I’m pretty far removed from someone who sympathizes with the character of Grace. That said, films don’t really tackle things of this nature all that often. Amanda Seyfried’s A Mouthful of Air was one, but having been released during Covid, it likely didn’t get the exposure they were hoping for. Looping back to this film, it’s odd. It’s divisive and it wouldn’t surprise me if many turned it off and/or walked out of the theater. It’s dizzying, told out of sequence to the extent that we don’t know what’s real and what’s not. Some might like that – others won’t. If seeing something like Christopher Nolan’s Memento appeals to you, then this might be up your alley. Do give it a chance, though.
Video: How’s it look?
No, that’s not a typo. This is presented in a 1.37:1 HEVC 4K encode that’s sure to please, though it’s a bit of a head-scratcher as to why the entire screen wasn’t utilized. Again, I reference The Lighthouse, which had the same “issue” (and I realize it was a creative choice and not an issue, but you get the idea). Nevertheless, the film has a few different types of shots that vary from standard to what I’d describe as ethereal. It’s another creative choice, but one that fits with the tone of the film. I can only assume that the more narrow aspect ratio might create a sense of claustrophobia and one that suits Jennifer Lawrence’s character. Detail is spot on, flesh tones are a bit on the washed out side, but by and large I had no issues.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The included DTS HD Master Audio mix is used and very effectively I might add. Some scenes have a dizzying impact that creates a sense of unbalance and confusion. It’s not often a track can have this impact. Vocals are, of course, used with great effectiveness and surrounds kick in at just the right time to give us a little extra “oomph.” I don’t think an Atmos mix would have added much more and as it stands, this one works just fine the way it is.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Unless they’re hiding somewhere, this disc contains no supplemental features.
The Bottom Line
This is a polarizing one, to be sure. Certainly Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson’s performance are great and seasoned actors like Sissy Spacek and Nick Nolte add to the mix. The subject matter might be hard for some to deal with and it might also be the type of film you’ll need to watch more than once to “get.” Nevertheless, the film looks decent (if you can get past a 4:3 presentation) but the lack of supplements might make this one a hard sell.
