This year's cinematic landscape has given us a double feature of motherhood that is both brutal and brilliant. At the forefront are "Die My Love" and "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You", two films that not only explore the complexities of motherhood but also lay bare the societal expectations that suffocate women.
The former, directed by Lynne Ramsay, follows Jennifer Lawrence as Grace, a woman whose life is torn apart by postpartum depression and a repressed violence. The film's cinematography is achingly beautiful, capturing the desperation and loneliness that accompany Grace's descent into madness. Ramsay's direction is masterful, weaving together a narrative that is both hauntingly gorgeous and brutally honest.
On the other hand, Mary Bronstein's "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You" tells the story of Linda, a therapist struggling to cope with her daughter's eating disorder, her husband's infidelity, and her own crumbling mental health. The film is a masterclass in performances, with Rose Byrne delivering a harrowingly vulnerable portrayal of Linda that will leave audiences shaken.
What both films have in common is their unwavering commitment to telling women's stories, without compromise or sugarcoating. They are not "fun" movies; they are gut-wrenching explorations of the human condition, laying bare the societal expectations that suffocate women and the personal costs that come with them.
Ultimately, both films are a testament to the power of cinema as empathy, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of women who have been marginalized and silenced. They will leave you breathless and bewildered, but also grateful for their unflinching honesty and unwavering commitment to telling stories that need to be told.
Both "Die My Love" and "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You" deserve an A-grade, as they are two of the most impactful films of the year. If you haven't seen them yet, do yourself a favor and seek them out – but be prepared for a wild emotional ride that will leave you questioning everything.
The former, directed by Lynne Ramsay, follows Jennifer Lawrence as Grace, a woman whose life is torn apart by postpartum depression and a repressed violence. The film's cinematography is achingly beautiful, capturing the desperation and loneliness that accompany Grace's descent into madness. Ramsay's direction is masterful, weaving together a narrative that is both hauntingly gorgeous and brutally honest.
On the other hand, Mary Bronstein's "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You" tells the story of Linda, a therapist struggling to cope with her daughter's eating disorder, her husband's infidelity, and her own crumbling mental health. The film is a masterclass in performances, with Rose Byrne delivering a harrowingly vulnerable portrayal of Linda that will leave audiences shaken.
What both films have in common is their unwavering commitment to telling women's stories, without compromise or sugarcoating. They are not "fun" movies; they are gut-wrenching explorations of the human condition, laying bare the societal expectations that suffocate women and the personal costs that come with them.
Ultimately, both films are a testament to the power of cinema as empathy, allowing us to see the world through the eyes of women who have been marginalized and silenced. They will leave you breathless and bewildered, but also grateful for their unflinching honesty and unwavering commitment to telling stories that need to be told.
Both "Die My Love" and "If I Had Legs I’d Kick You" deserve an A-grade, as they are two of the most impactful films of the year. If you haven't seen them yet, do yourself a favor and seek them out – but be prepared for a wild emotional ride that will leave you questioning everything.