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
Directed by Peter Jackson, "The Lovely Bones" is a fantasy drama from 2009. The film centers on a 14-year-old girl named Susie Salmon who, after being murdered, watches her family and killer from the afterlife. Her journey involves grappling with her desire for retribution against her killer and her wish for her family's healing.
Adapted from a novel, the movie explores themes of grief, loss, and the afterlife. It touches on challenging subjects such as sexual abuse and the impact of a child's murder on a family. The narrative unfolds in the 1970s, incorporating elements of melancholy and teenage love within its dramatic framework.
While the film's visual style has been noted, its critical reception has been mixed, with a 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 42/100. Despite this, it holds a 7 out of 10 average on TMDb based on over 4,600 votes, suggesting a segment of the audience connected with its emotional fantasy elements.
Why you might be searching for The Lovely Bones
People often search for details about "The Lovely Bones" due to its dark subject matter, including the kidnapping and murder of a young girl. Searches indicate an interest in specific plot points, such as the girl's perspective from the afterlife and her family's efforts to find her killer. The movie's distinct visual style and its handling of a sensitive topic are also common reasons for search queries.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that the film is known for Saoirse Ronan's performance and for sparking strong opinions among viewers, often dividing audiences into two distinct groups regarding the characters.
Read the full reviewA viewer who watched the movie without prior knowledge found it to be a compelling and interesting experience.
Read the full reviewOne review argued that the film's decision to omit a specific violent scene present in the book diminishes its overall impact and seriousness.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described the movie as an emotional fantasy drama that explores themes of grief and justice, praising its visuals and Saoirse Ronan's performance, despite acknowledging it deviates from the source novel.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
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You can stream "The Lovely Bones" on Netflix, Kanopy, and Hoopla. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.
"The Lovely Bones" is an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Alice Sebold.
After observing her family and killer from an in-between world, Susie Salmon ultimately lets go of her desire for revenge and focuses on her family's healing before moving on. The film ends without a direct confrontation or traditional justice from Susie's perspective.
The film has received mixed reviews; some praise Saoirse Ronan's performance and the emotional depth, while others criticize the shifts between violence and sentimentality, and the blend of genres. It's described as a reflective drama with fantasy elements that explores grief and loss.