Introduction to a Haunting Film

The Cannes Film Festival has premiered a new film that explores the intense and surreal world of postpartum depression. Directed by Lynne Ramsay, the movie features Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in leading roles. Ramsay’s previous work, such as "We Need to Talk About Kevin," has shown her ability to create powerful portraits of women struggling with motherhood. This new film can be seen as an unofficial prequel, delving into the darker aspects of postpartum depression.

The Story Unfolds

The film tells the story of Grace, an emerging writer played by Jennifer Lawrence, who moves to the country with her partner Jackson, played by Robert Pattinson. Their new life seems idyllic, with a spacious house surrounded by forests and meadows, providing Grace with the peace and freedom to write her novel. However, the tranquility is short-lived, as the couple’s life becomes a nightmare. The skittering of rats in the opening scene serves as a warning, and soon, Grace finds herself struggling with boredom, loneliness, and sexual frustration.

A Descent into Madness

As the story progresses, Grace’s situation becomes increasingly chaotic. The arrival of an untrained dog and the constant barking add to her stress, making her feel like she’s losing her grip on reality. The film uses sound design, persistent music, and mixed chronology to convey the feeling of bleakness and disconnection from reality. Ramsay’s expertise in creating a haunting atmosphere is evident, making the viewer feel like they’re experiencing Grace’s descent into madness.

The Struggle is Real

The film should be shown to teenagers as a warning about the challenges of taking care of a baby. The script is sharply funny at times, with Jackson’s character being oblivious to his partner’s struggles. The dialogue is witty, and Lawrence’s performance is outstanding, even in the lowest moments of her character. The film’s ability to convey the boredom and confusion of parenthood is both haunting and thought-provoking.

The Cast and Crew

The film features an impressive cast, including Jennifer Lawrence, Robert Pattinson, Lakieth Stanfield, and Sissy Spacek. The crew, led by director Lynne Ramsay, has done an excellent job of creating a surreal and intense atmosphere. The film’s use of sound and music adds to the overall mood, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.

A Different Kind of Thriller

The first half of the film is filled with ominous signs, hinting at a potential slasher film, home invasion thriller, or supernatural horror. The sequences shared between Grace and Pam, a recently widowed mother, make a fascinating case that the experience of adapting to birth is reflected in the experience of adapting to death. However, the film ultimately fails to develop these storylines into action, leaving the viewer feeling disappointed.

A Mood, Not a Drama

The film is essentially a mood, a long nervous collapse, rather than a drama with action. The later scenes repeat the theme of parenthood, which was made clear in the early days, making the film feel like it’s drifting to the final loan. Ramsay’s film-making flair lights up the scene, but as a narrative, it fragments, and reality and imagination disappear. The urge to read the novel to find out what actually happens becomes overwhelming, as the film may have communicated the boredom and confusion of its heroine a little too effectively.