The Lovely Bones Movie Review

By- Samia Musleh

A tragedy is the best way I can describe The Lovely Bones. The movie is an adaptation by producer Peter Jackson of the best seller book The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. It follows a story of a 14 year old girl, Suzie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan), who was brutally raped and murdered and the aftermath of it all narrated by her. From the very beginning, it was incredibly difficult to watch because I knew what was going to happen, Suzie herself set that tone early on. Overall, it was gut wrenching and I found myself crying at least five times while watching it, coming from someone who doesn't watch movies often. 

The Salmon family can be pictured as your standard 1970s middle-class, not perfect but a happy family. A hardworking father, a devoted mother, and a responsible older sister, Suzie. Of course this idyllic image is shattered once the narrator, Suzie, reveals that she was murdered. Knowing this from the outset places viewers in a state of helplessness. Each moment leading up to the murder is nerve-wrecking for the viewers. I kept on wondering and attempting to prepare myself for when would it happen. I felt as helpless as ever. 

 After being murdered, Suzie narrates the hardships and struggle that’ll follow her family. From the moment of realization to letting go. Throughout her journey, Suzie has to choose between her rage and desire for vengeance and the overall peace of her family. Will she continue to linger on or let it all go for the sake of peace.

The most chilling aspect of The Lovely Bones was being in the same glass bridge as Suzie. The viewers couldn’t tell Suzie not to go to the underground “hideout”, Suzie can't tell her parents where she is now. She’s caught in a state of limbo, unable to inform and only to watch chaos unfold. The viewers are put in a cage from the very beginning which follows throughout as Suzie is stuck in the “in-between”. 

Despite knowing the outcome from the start, when it became clear that one certain scene was suspicious enough to be the scene I was scared for most, I continued to find myself in a state of denial and I think that was the goal of Peter Jackson. To have the viewers become attached to these characters from the other side of the screen while also waiting helplessly for the horrible incident. 

One aspect of this film specifically that I thought was so realistic it was almost terrifying is the acting. Specifically that of Stanley Tucci, who played the murderer, Mr. Harvey. From the look in his eyes to the overall way he presents himself as a sweet and harmless man. It was impressive. So impressive that it was disgusting. I escaped the realm of this being a movie and everybody in it are just actors to feeling genuine hatred for this man. In fact I believe Tucci got a Oscar nomination from this role as well. Although he did state that he would never play such a role again.

Although the movie was great in the way it puts its viewers through a certain perspective and the actors were so phenomenal, the only aspects I could criticize would be the ending and that would be out of my very own frustration. I believe Mr. Harvey deserved a much worse fate than what was delivered by the film. I understand if Peter Jackson was attempting to further convey his message of moving on instead of seeking vengeance but I just think that this could still be accomplished whilst having an ending that would be more appealing to viewers. 

All in all, the movie was depressingly great. It was a constant relief to remind myself that this was just a film but unfortunately, it represents a harsh reality of our world. Cases like that of The Lovely Bones happen in the real world and I believe Peter Jackson was attempting to spread that message. I highly recommend it, but to an insensitive audience, it’s not for everybody.