Lynne Ramsay's uncomfortable and provocative film about motherhood and postpartum depressions is anchored by a uniquely powerful style and central performance. Jennifer Lawrence brings an anger, frustration, and distance that not even her character Grace can make sense of the root of, but finds herself lashing out and unable to fill a growing hole inside of her. Grace finds herself losing her sense of self and having surrendered her ambitions for her own future, while constantly impatient and unhappy with her surroundings, but there's also a deep sympathy that can be felt beneath her awful decisions.
The film's visual language is quiet yet aggressive, cryptic yet melancholic. There's much food for thought in this interestingly paced and structured character study with some unforgettable moments and one of Lawrence's best performances.
Rating: ★★★★
Review by: Gal Balaban
