The Lovely Bones (2009)
After being brutally murdered, 14-year-old Susie Salmon watches from heaven over her grief-stricken family -- and her killer. As she observes their daily lives, she must balance her thirst for revenge with her desire for her family to heal.
Details
Budget
$65,000,000
Rating
7/10 (4686 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
WingNut Films, DreamWorks Pictures, Film4 Productions
About The Lovely Bones
"The Lovely Bones," released in 2009, explores themes of loss, the afterlife, and the lingering impact of violence through the eyes of its young protagonist. The film, adapted from a best-selling novel, delves into the emotional landscape of a family grappling with a brutal murder, balancing their grief with the victim's otherworldly perspective on justice and closure. Its fantasy elements merge with a heavy dramatic core, as it portrays both the idyllic memories of childhood and the stark reality of sudden, traumatic loss.
Set in the 1970s, the narrative uses this period to frame a story connected to keywords like serial killer and childhood sexual abuse, focusing on the psychological aftermath for those left behind. The movie's critical reception was mixed, with a 31% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 42/100 on Metacritic, indicating varied opinions on its execution of such sensitive and complex material. With a runtime of 136 minutes, the film takes its time to develop the emotional journey of its characters, contrasting the protagonist's serene, albeit trapped, existence in the afterlife with the gritty crime investigation on Earth.
The film ultimately positions itself as a meditation on healing and revenge. It navigates the difficult space between the victim's desire for retribution and her family's struggle to find peace, highlighting the different ways individuals cope with profound tragedy. The combination of fantasy visuals and a grounded, albeit dark, emotional storyline gives the film a distinct tone.
Why you might be searching for The Lovely Bones
People search for "The Lovely Bones" due to its memorable, yet disturbing, premise of a murdered girl observing her family and killer from the afterlife. The film’s striking visual style for the afterlife sequences and the unsettling nature of the crime and its perpetrator are often key elements searchers recall. Details like specific character names or the 1970s setting, alongside the strong performances by the cast in a narrative that blends fantasy with a crime drama, also lead to searches.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted the film for Saoirse Ronan's significant performance and its divisive nature among viewers, mentioning a debate between "Team Salmon" (the victim) and "Team Harvey" (the killer).
Read the full reviewAnother viewer found the movie very engaging, rating it highly after stumbling upon it during a casual viewing session.
Read the full reviewA reviewer criticized the film for omitting a key plot point from the book, arguing that this decision weakened the narrative's overall impact and gravity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
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You can stream The Lovely Bones on Paramount+ or rent/buy it on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
No, Alice Sebold's novel, which The Lovely Bones film is based on, is a fictional story. However, Sebold has stated that the rape she experienced at 18 influenced the themes of the book.
At the end of The Lovely Bones, Susie realizes she must let go of her desire for revenge and move on from the in-between world. George Harvey, her killer, eventually dies in an accidental fall, and Susie finds peace, moving to a new heaven.
The Lovely Bones received mixed reviews; some critics appreciated its visual style and performances, while others found it struggled to balance its dark themes with its fantastical elements. It has a 32% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.