Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in Why Don’t You Love Me?, a dark comedy that seems like it could be the perfect follow-up to her controversial 2017 horror film, Mother!. Known for her versatility and ability to tackle a wide range of genres, the Oscar-winning actress’ latest project is already generating a lot of buzz. After Lawrence recently dabbled in comedy with 2023’s No Hard Feelings, this new project appears like it could be an interesting direction for the star.

Although there is limited official information available about the dark comedy, Why Don’t You Love Me? will be based on the 2023 sci-fi graphic novel of the same name written by Paul B. Rainey. Screenwriter Robert Funke will adapt Rainey’s work, and Lawrence is a producer alongside her starring role.

Why Don’t You Love Me Sounds Perfect For Jennifer Lawrence After 2017’s Mother!

Both Movies Share Some Similarities

The Why Don’t You Love Me? graphic novel tells the story of a couple who are unhappy in their marriage, but when they hear news about an impending nuclear war, the couple come to realize that this is not the life they want for themselves and wonder if something might be wrong with their reality. In this way, it bears similarities to Mother!, which was written and directed by Darren Aronofsky and was also about a married couple wrestling with reality.

Additionally, Ari Aster, known for his work on the unsettling horror films Hereditary and Midsommar, is involved in Why Don’t You Love Me? as a producer. He and Aronofsky always bring their own distinct style to projects, ensuring that, like Mother!, Why Don’t You Love Me? will be far from conventional.

Considering the similarities, Why Don’t You Love Me? seems like it will be an ideal follow-up for Lawrence after Mother!. While the film wasn’t for everyone, most agreed that her performance was outstanding. This bodes well for Why Don’t You Love Me?, as Lawrence can draw from this role that pushed boundaries and tackle yet another challenging character in a film that seems likely to play with perceptions of reality.

Why Jennifer Lawrence’s Mother! Movie Was So Controversial

Lawrence May Have Been Fantastic, But The Film Divided Audiences

Mother! stirred controversy and debate upon its release in 2017 and became one of the most talked-about films of the year. Aronofsky, who is known for incorporating disturbing and surreal elements into his work, used allegorical storytelling methods that departed from traditional narrative structures. Aronofsky pushed the bounds of filmmaking in Mother!, and the risk didn’t exactly pay off.

The controversy around Mother! primarily stemmed from the film’s use of biblical metaphors, as well as its bold and uncomfortable exploration of themes covering creation, destruction and the human condition. For some, the allegorical narrative and unconventional story structure was too much of a departure from the mainstream, making it too vague and difficult to comprehend for general audiences. Other critics also scrutinized Aronofsky’s film for its extreme depiction of violence. Its disturbing imagery and intense themes divided audiences and critics, receiving both boos and a standing ovation at its premiere.

Lawrence has several upcoming movies slated already that make it seem like the actress is prepared to push her boundaries even further. With the inclusion of Why Don’t You Love Me? on the list, she seems poised to rectify the Mother! controversy, offering the perfect followup.