Jennifer Lawrence has described her role in the new film Die My Love as a form of “revenge” following her unsuccessful audition for the iconic role of Bella Swan in the Twilight series. In an interview with Variety at the film’s premiere, Lawrence humorously reflected on her history with the franchise, which ultimately saw the role go to Kristen Stewart.
The film, directed by Lynne Ramsay, features Lawrence and Robert Pattinson as a couple, Grace and Jackson, who spiral into a shared psychosis stemming from Grace’s post-partum depression. This marks Ramsay’s follow-up to the acclaimed You Were Never Really Here. After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, Die My Love is set for a wider audience release in North America on November 7, 2023.
During the interview, Lawrence reflected on her past audition for Twilight, revealing, “They turned me down immediately. I didn’t even get a callback.” Although that setback was disappointing at the time, it led to her landing the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, which has since defined her career.
Both Lawrence and Pattinson have navigated their careers with a blend of blockbuster hits and independent films. Lawrence portrayed Mystique in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, while Pattinson took on the title role in The Batman. This shared trajectory in the film industry has created a unique connection between the two actors, who both starred in major young adult franchises.
The initial critical response to Die My Love has been promising, with the film currently holding an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have particularly praised Lawrence’s performance. In his review for ScreenRant, Graeme Guttmann awarded the film an 8 out of 10, highlighting Lawrence’s “earth-shattering” performance alongside Pattinson’s strong presence. He noted, “Grace is the beating heart of this film,” describing the balance of her character’s anger and humor as both uncomfortable and engaging.
As audiences prepare for the film’s North American debut, the collaboration between Lawrence and Pattinson is seen as a long-awaited moment, especially considering their near miss with Twilight nearly two decades ago. The film’s unique tone and the chemistry between its stars appear to resonate well with critics, suggesting that Die My Love could be an impactful addition to both actors’ filmographies.
With anticipation building, it remains to be seen how general audiences will respond to this intricate exploration of mental health and relationships. The film represents not only a significant professional milestone for Lawrence but also a creative opportunity for both stars to showcase their talents in a compelling narrative.
