The 78th Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, and Jennifer Lawrence is stealing the spotlight. On May 17, 2025, the actress premiered her latest film, Die, My Love, a dark thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay, alongside co-star Robert Pattinson. The film has already sparked Oscar buzz, with critics lauding Lawrence’s raw and fearless performance as a new mother grappling with postpartum depression and psychosis. Beyond her on-screen triumph, Lawrence opened up about her personal experiences with motherhood, offering candid insights that resonated deeply with audiences and the press. Here’s a closer look at her Cannes journey, her reflections on having kids, and why this moment marks a significant chapter in her career.
A Triumphant Cannes Debut
Jennifer Lawrence, a Hollywood heavyweight known for her roles in The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook (for which she won an Oscar in 2013), had never starred in a film premiering at Cannes until now. Her arrival at the festival was nothing short of electric. Die, My Love, based on Ariana Harwicz’s novel, follows a young mother’s descent into madness as she navigates the isolating and harrowing realities of postpartum depression. The film received a six-minute standing ovation at its premiere, a testament to its emotional impact and Lawrence’s gripping portrayal of the character Grace.
Critics have been quick to praise her performance, with some calling it a career-defining role. The New York Times noted that Lawrence’s “no-holds-barred” approach signals her desire to dive into darker, riskier material, while The Times of India reported that her emotionally charged performance has sparked early Oscar buzz—potentially her first nomination in a decade. Mubi acquired the film for a staggering $24 million, marking the first major sale at Cannes this year and underscoring the industry’s confidence in its awards potential.
Lawrence on Motherhood: “Brutal and Incredible”
At a press conference on May 18, 2025, Lawrence spoke openly about her experiences as a mother of two, shedding light on how parenthood has shaped her both personally and professionally. She welcomed her first child, Cy, with husband Cooke Maroney in 2022, and her second child earlier this year. Her honesty about the challenges of motherhood struck a chord, especially given the themes of Die, My Love.
“Having children changes everything—it’s brutal and incredible,” Lawrence said. She described the postpartum period as “extremely isolating,” adding, “You feel like an alien.” She elaborated on the emotional toll, noting that “extreme anxiety and extreme depression” can make the experience even more daunting. Yet, she also highlighted the profound ways her children have enriched her life and craft. “They’ve changed me emotionally and creatively,” she shared. “I didn’t know I could feel so much, and my job has a lot to do with emotion. They’ve opened up the world to me.”
In a lighthearted moment, Lawrence quipped, “I highly recommend having kids if you want to be an actor,” reflecting on how her children have deepened the well of emotion she draws from in her work. She also revealed that she filmed Die, My Love while five months pregnant with her second child, a detail that likely added an extra layer of authenticity to her portrayal of a struggling mother.
A Powerful Collaboration with Lynne Ramsay and Robert Pattinson
Die, My Love marks a significant collaboration between Lawrence and acclaimed director Lynne Ramsay, known for dark, psychological dramas like We Need to Talk About Kevin and You Were Never Really Here. Ramsay’s unflinching exploration of motherhood’s darker sides paired perfectly with Lawrence’s raw intensity. The film also stars Robert Pattinson, who plays Lawrence’s husband in the crumbling marriage at the story’s center. Pattinson, who recently welcomed his first child with Suki Waterhouse, echoed Lawrence’s sentiments about parenthood, noting that it gave him a “trove of energy and inspiration.”
The chemistry between Lawrence and Pattinson, both former YA franchise stars (The Hunger Games and Twilight), has been a highlight for fans and critics alike. Their red-carpet appearances at Cannes were a masterclass in Hollywood glamour, with Lawrence stunning in a custom Christian Dior gown and Pattinson looking effortlessly chic. Harper’s Bazaar dubbed them “the chicest duo in Cannes,” suggesting they should star in more films together.
Why This Matters: A Renaissance for Jennifer Lawrence
At 34, Jennifer Lawrence is in the midst of what many are calling a “renaissance.” After taking a step back from the spotlight following her first child’s birth, she’s returned with a renewed focus on challenging roles that push her boundaries as an actress. Die, My Love is a bold departure from her earlier blockbuster fare, showcasing her willingness to tackle complex, emotionally demanding characters. The Globe and Mail described her performance as a “feral circus of writhing and screaming and rage,” emphasizing her fearless commitment to the role.
Her candidness about motherhood also adds a layer of authenticity to her public persona. Lawrence has always been known for her relatability—whether she’s tripping on the Oscars stage or joking about her love for reality TV—but her reflections on postpartum struggles and the transformative power of parenthood reveal a deeper, more vulnerable side. As ELLE Australia put it, “We are officially living through the Jennifer Lawrence renaissance, and we couldn’t be happier about it.”
What’s Next for Lawrence?
With Die, My Love already generating awards chatter, Lawrence’s trajectory looks brighter than ever. The film’s acquisition by Mubi ensures it will reach a wide audience, and its themes of mental health and motherhood are likely to resonate deeply in the lead-up to awards season. Lawrence has been nominated for four Oscars, and her performance in Die, My Love could mark her fifth—and potentially her second win.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Lawrence’s openness about motherhood is sparking important conversations about the realities of parenting, especially for women in high-pressure industries like Hollywood. Her willingness to share both the highs and lows of her journey makes her not just a movie star, but a voice for many.
Conclusion
Jennifer Lawrence’s Cannes moment is a testament to her enduring talent and evolving artistry. Her performance in Die, My Love has solidified her as a contender in the awards race, while her heartfelt reflections on motherhood have endeared her to fans and peers alike. As she continues to balance her roles as a mother, actress, and advocate, Lawrence proves she’s more than just a Hollywood star—she’s a force of authenticity and resilience.
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