‘Die, Love’ opens in theaters and raises awareness about maternal mental health
“Die, Love” reignites urgent discussions about maternal mental health Image: Digital reproduction | MUBI and Paris Filmes)
With renowned director Martin Scorsese among the producers, the psychological drama “Morra, Amor” (Die, My Love), starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, opens in Brazilian cinemas on November 27th, through Paris Filmes, and promises more than an intense story: the film reignites urgent discussions about maternal mental health, isolation and postpartum disorders.
Inspired by the book by Argentine writer Ariana Harwicz, the film directed by British author Lynne Ramsay follows Grace, a woman who, after moving with her husband to an isolated farm, begins to experience severe symptoms of mental deterioration after the birth of her first child. The plot reflects the internal conflicts of real motherhood, far from the romantic ideal often portrayed by society.
An unusual reality about postpartum
For Fernando Tomita, coordinator of psychiatry at Vera Cruz Hospital, in Campinas (SP), Lynne Ramsay’s work brings to light an unusual but extremely serious reality, generating the need for it to be better disseminated among the population.
“The postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. There are intense hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, insecurities, anxiety and, in many cases, loneliness. Isolation and internal pressure can contribute to the risk of developing conditions such as depression or postpartum psychosis”, he explains.
Postpartum psychosis, in fact, the central theme of the film, is a serious, rapidly evolving disorder that requires immediate medical attention. “It is important to differentiate psychosis from milder conditions, such as the so-called baby blueswhich causes sadness and mood swings in the first few days after giving birth. Psychosis, on the other hand, involves delusions, hallucinations and disconnection from reality, which can put the mother and baby at risk”, warns Fernando Tomita.
According to the doctor, isolation is a determining risk factor, something that the film portrays in a symbolic and distressing way. “The character finds herself alone in the middle of the field, without support, surrounded by silence. This isolation is a powerful reflection of many women who, even surrounded by people, feel invisible or misunderstood. Talking about this is essential to break the taboo and promote empathy”, she analyzes.
Image: Digital reproduction | MUBI and Paris FilmsThe weight of traditional gender roles
With a visceral aesthetic and a female perspective on psychological suffering“Morra, Amor” echoes Ariana Harwicz’s involuntary trilogy (also composed of “A Debil Mental” and “Precoz”), which discusses the inadequacy of social norms and the weight of traditional gender roles.
“Motherhood is often portrayed as a moment of fulfillment, but, for many women, it can also be accompanied by fear, exhaustion and guilt. Recognizing these emotions is part of care”, adds the psychiatrist.
Therefore, psychiatric and psychological follow-up in the postpartum period is essential. Observing signs such as persistent sadness, irritability, apathy, negative thoughts or confused behaviors, including possible refusal to pay attention to the baby, can make all the difference to an early diagnosis and a safe recovery.
One of the most impactful films of 2025
With a praised performance and sensitive direction, “Die, Love“ promises to be one of the most impactful films of 2025 — both for its raw portrayal of maternity and for the reflection it provokes on female mental health.
“When society understands that asking for help is an act of courage, and not weakness, we take an important step towards prevention. Cinema, in this sense, has a valuable role: it raises awareness, humanizes and expands dialogue on topics that are still silenced”, concludes Fernando Tomita.
By Aline Telles
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