Cannes: Robert Pattinson and Jennifer Lawrence, co-stars of the Cannes Film Festival competition entry Die My Love, opened up about how their real-life experiences with parenthood deeply informed their performances in the emotionally charged film. The duo shared their reflections during a press event on Sunday in the coastal city of Cannes.
“There’s not really anything like postpartum. It’s extremely isolating,” Lawrence said, speaking candidly about the challenges of motherhood following the recent birth of her second child.
In Die My Love, directed by acclaimed Scottish filmmaker Lynne Ramsay (We Need To Talk About Kevin), Lawrence and Pattinson portray Grace and Jackson, a couple navigating the emotional strain of new parenthood after relocating to rural Montana. Grace, a writer, finds herself confronting a loss of identity and growing mental health struggles, while Jackson grapples with how best to support her.
“As a mother, it was really hard to separate what I would do as opposed to what she (her character) would do,” Lawrence admitted, highlighting the difficulty of emotionally distancing herself from the role.
Pattinson, who became a father last year, also brought his personal journey into the role. “When dealing with a partner going through postpartum or any kind of mental illness or difficulties, trying to deal with her isolation, figuring out what your role is, is difficult, especially if you don’t have the vernacular,” he said.
The film premiered on Saturday night to critical acclaim, receiving a nine-minute standing ovation. Ramsay’s signature intensity and psychological depth were praised by audiences and critics alike.
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Pattinson, known for his transformation from Twilight heartthrob to indie darling and most recently The Batman, credited fatherhood for revitalizing his creative energy. “In the most unexpected ways, having a baby gives you the biggest trove of energy and inspiration,” he shared.
Lawrence, who rose to stardom in The Hunger Games franchise and won an Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook, echoed that sentiment. “Becoming a parent made me realize that I didn’t know just how much I could feel — and my job has a lot to do with emotion,” she said, adding with a smile: “I highly recommend having kids if you want to be an actor.”
As Die My Love continues to stir conversations at Cannes, its raw depiction of motherhood, mental health, and intimacy stands out as one of the festival’s most emotionally resonant offerings.
