Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence has spoken out about the raw realities of postpartum depression, drawing from her personal experience to inform her powerful performance in the new psychological drama Die, My Love. Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film explores the intense emotional landscape of new motherhood.
A Powerful New Role in Die, My Love
Die, My Love is a psychological drama directed by Lynne Ramsay and based on the acclaimed 2017 novel by Ariana Harwicz. The screenplay was written by Ramsay, Enda Walsh, and Alice Birch. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Grace, a woman spiraling into postpartum depression and psychosis, with her marriage to Jackson (played by Robert Pattinson) crumbling around her.
The movie made its debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 17, receiving early praise for its brutally honest but emotionally rich storytelling.
Jennifer Lawrence on Postpartum: “You Feel Like an Alien”
During a press conference held on May 18, Jennifer Lawrence opened up about how her own experience as a new mother informed her portrayal of Grace.
“I had just had my firstborn, and there’s not really anything like postpartum. It’s extremely isolating,” she shared.
“She [Grace] doesn’t have a community. She doesn’t have her people. But the truth is, extreme anxiety and depression are isolating no matter where you are. You feel like an alien.”
Lawrence, who has two children, admitted it was difficult to emotionally separate herself from the role due to the intense subject matter.
Motherhood’s Impact on Acting
Despite the challenges, Lawrence also reflected on how motherhood has transformed her creative process:
“Having children changes everything. It’s brutal, but it’s also incredible. I didn’t know I could feel so much.
My job is rooted in emotion, and they’ve opened up my world. I highly recommend having kids if you want to be an actor.”
Robert Pattinson, who also stars in the film, echoed similar sentiments, noting how parenthood has deepened his emotional capacity as an actor.
Raising Awareness About Postpartum Depression
Die, My Love shines a spotlight on postpartum depression—a serious, yet often stigmatized, mental health condition. But what exactly is postpartum depression, and how does it differ from the more common “baby blues”?
What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
According to the Mayo Clinic, many new mothers experience baby blues in the days following childbirth. These typically include:
- Mood swings
- Crying spells
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
However, postpartum depression is a more severe, long-lasting condition that can interfere with daily life and a mother’s ability to care for her child.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression Include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Severe mood swings
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Intense irritability or anger
- Feelings of inadequacy or guilt
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby
These symptoms may begin within the first few weeks after giving birth, but they can also start during pregnancy or up to a year postpartum.
Getting Help and Support
The good news is, help is available. Treatments for postpartum depression can include:
- Talk therapy
- Medication
- Support groups
- Self-care strategies like rest, nutrition, and mindfulness
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Mission: Telling Hard Truths
Through her work in Die, My Love, Jennifer Lawrence is helping to dismantle the stigma around postpartum depression. By blending art with advocacy, she’s showing audiences the harsh—but very real—truth about motherhood’s darker moments and the strength it takes to survive them.
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