The Lovely Bones (released in theaters on Dec. 11, 2009 and wide on Jan. 15, 2010) marked a dramatic departure for director Peter Jackson after his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Adapted from Alice Sebold’s poignant and unsettling novel, the film is a visually ambitious and emotionally complex tale that grapples with unimaginable loss and the fragile line between life and the afterlife.
It is a unique blend of supernatural fantasy, psychological thriller, and coming-of-age drama, all filtered through the eyes of a murdered girl.
The story is narrated by fourteen-year-old Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan), who was brutally murdered by her neighbor, George Harvey (Stanley Tucci), on December 6, 1973.
From her unique vantage point in the “in-between”—a vibrant, ever-changing personal heaven—Susie watches over her grieving family and the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.
Her heaven is a beautiful, abstract landscape that reflects her emotional state, allowing her to observe events on Earth with varying degrees of clarity.
Her father, Jack Salmon (Mark Wahlberg), becomes consumed by the need to find her killer, alienating his wife, Abigail (Rachel Weisz), who eventually leaves to cope with her grief in her own way.
Susie’s younger sister, Lindsey (Rose McIver), matures into a determined young woman, eventually coming dangerously close to uncovering Harvey’s dark secrets.
Her eccentric grandmother, Lynn (Susan Sarandon), arrives to help the family, offering a much-needed dose of blunt wisdom.
As time passes, Susie witnesses the slow, agonizing journey of her family toward healing, even as she longs for justice.
She tries to communicate with her loved ones, sending them subtle signs while also watching Harvey, a predatory figure who continues to live among them, seemingly above suspicion.
The film builds to a haunting climax where Susie must choose between seeking revenge and finding peace, ultimately guiding her family toward a resolution that blends earthly justice with otherworldly release.
Mark Wahlberg in The Lovely Bones (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for The Lovely Bones
The Lovely Bones grossed $19.9 million on its opening weekend of wide release, finishing third at the box office behind Avatar ($54.4 million on its fifth weekend) and The Book of Eli ($38.4 million).
The film would gross $93.6 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The legacy of The Lovely Bones is its bold, often challenging, visual depiction of the afterlife, which remains a singular achievement in fantasy filmmaking.
It is most famously remembered for Tucci’s chilling, transformative performance as Harvey, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Tucci’s portrayal lent a palpable sense of menace that anchored the film’s more ethereal elements to a horrifying reality.
The film is also celebrated for Ronan’s luminous performance, which carried the emotional weight of the narrative despite her character being deceased.
Jackson’s daring attempt to visualize the “In-Between” sparked considerable debate among critics and audiences, cementing the film’s status as a polarizing but unforgettable cinematic experience.
Today, The Lovely Bones stands as a unique entry in Jackson’s filmography, appreciated for its ambition and its profound exploration of grief, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love that transcends death.
