Exclusive Acquisition: Mubi’s Victory at Cannes
Mubi has emerged as the **dominant winner** in a highly competitive multi-distributor struggle for Jennifer Lawrence’s Cannes Competition film, Die My Love. Reports indicate that the notable purchase involves both **domestic** and select **international rights**, with the estimated deal value hovering around **$23 million**. Impressively, Mubi has committed to a full theatrical release across **1,500 screens** for a duration of **45 days**.
The film was unveiled at a glamorous world premiere in Cannes, graced by the presence of Lawrence and her co-star Robert Pattinson. Directed by Lynne Ramsay, known for her critically acclaimed work in You Were Never Really Here, this film represents a significant win for Mubi and its CEO, Jason Ropell. Following their success last Oscar season with The Substance, Mubi’s strategic approach to the bidding war appears to have played a crucial role in securing this notable project. Major players such as Apple and Netflix were also in the mix, but Mubi’s theatrical plan and creative vision ultimately captured the day.
Set against the backdrop of **rural America**, Die My Love tells the tale of a married woman, portrayed by Lawrence, whose mental state deteriorates as she grapples with **post-natal depression**. While critics hold diverse opinions regarding the film, many praised Lawrence’s performance as a standout, showcasing her artistry and depth.
The film draws inspiration from the **2017 novel** by Ariana Harwicz and features a talented ensemble cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, and Nick Nolte. Pattinson plays the role of the husband, while Stanfield portrays the love interest. The consensus among those attending the Cannes festival is that this film, if managed effectively, could emerge as a strong **contender for American awards**, in addition to its favorable prospects at the Cannes Film Festival.
In a review by Deadline, critic Damon Wise described Ramsay’s work as a “**mesmerizing film**,” labeling it a “brutal but beautiful story.” Lawrence’s portrayal is seen as the centerpiece of the film, with Wise noting, “America knows very well how good Jennifer Lawrence can be,” suggesting that this performance could very well lead to her **fifth Oscar nomination**, should the film be positioned correctly in the industry.
Lynne Ramsay directs Die My Love from a script co-written with Enda Walsh and Alice Burch. The film’s **producers** include Justine Ciarrocchi and Lawrence herself from **Excellent Cadaver**, alongside industry stalwarts like Martin Scorsese and Andrea Calderwood, plus Black Label Media’s Molly Smith, Trent Luckinbill, and Thad Luckinbill, the latter of whom also provided financing.
Mubi is quickly establishing itself as a formidable arthouse studio. Recently, we detailed the company’s expansive growth and ambitious objectives. Known for its poignant storytelling, Mubi has already featured **three films** in Competition and an additional entry in the **Un Certain Regard** category at Cannes. The acquisition of Die My Love marks its fourth Competition film, now accounting for approximately **20 percent** of the festival’s lineup.
Ramsay first caught the public’s attention with her **Cannes-debuting** 1999 drama, Ratcatcher. Her acclaimed body of work includes notable films like We Need to Talk About Kevin and Morvern Callar. In 2017, her film You Were Never Really Here, starring Joaquin Phoenix, secured the **Cannes Best Screenplay award**, further solidifying her reputation in the cinematic landscape.
The **creative alliance** between Mubi and Lynne Ramsay may signal a pivotal moment for both parties, with mutual aspirations for award recognition and critical acclaim. As Mubi continues to innovate within the industry, it positions itself at the intersection of **artistic creativity** and commercial viability in a rapidly evolving cinematic environment.
CAA Media Finance played a significant role in brokering what became Cannes’ first major deal on-site, evidencing both diligence and expertise during this competitive acquisition process. With continued developments in the film’s **distribution strategy**, Mubi’s future in arthouse cinema looks bright.