Jennifer Lawrence Reveals How ‘Mother!’ Left Her Completely Lost—Here’s What She Really Thought!

Jennifer Lawrence is no stranger to taking on challenging and complex roles, but when it came to the psychological horror Mother! (2017), the actress recently revealed that even she was “completely lost” in the film’s intricate plot.

Lawrence, renowned for her iconic performances in films like The Hunger Games, Silver Linings Playbook, and X-Men, confessed during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live that she was baffled by much of the film’s surreal and enigmatic storyline. The 34-year-old star, who has earned critical acclaim and an Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook, was asked by host Andy Cohen: “On a scale of one to totally confused, how much did you understand your film Mother!?”

With a laugh, Lawrence candidly responded, “I’m going to be honest. Well, I was sleeping with the director, so I had the CliffNotes. So, five. Or four?”

Her joke about her relationship with the film’s director, Darren Aronofsky, (whom she was romantically involved with at the time) brought some levity to the situation. But beneath the humor, Lawrence’s admission speaks to the complexity and puzzling nature of Mother!.

A Confounding Narrative

Mother! was a polarizing film, filled with symbolism and an intentionally confusing plot that left many viewers scratching their heads. Lawrence played the role of a young woman whose peaceful life with her husband (played by Javier Bardem) in their remote home is turned upside down when a series of mysterious and unsettling visitors arrive. The film’s chaotic narrative, paired with its shocking and surreal imagery, made it both a critical talking point and a source of confusion for audiences.

Aronofsky, known for his unique and often challenging filmmaking style, has openly stated that he intentionally crafted Mother! to be a punk movie designed to provoke and “hit you hard.” The director’s goal was to make a film that was more about visceral experience than a linear, easily digestible plot. The symbolic nature of the film, which dealt with themes such as creation, destruction, and human nature, led to varied interpretations, leaving many, including Lawrence, struggling to fully grasp its meaning.

A Star-Studded Cast and a Divisive Reception

While Mother! was met with mixed reviews, its ensemble cast — which included Javier Bardem, Domhnall Gleeson, Michelle Williams, and Brian Gleeson — received praise for their performances. Lawrence, however, carried the weight of the film’s emotional intensity and was at the center of the unsettling drama.

Despite its divisiveness, Mother! demonstrated Lawrence’s ability to tackle complex, high-stakes roles, further solidifying her place as one of Hollywood’s top actresses. However, even for an actress of her caliber, the experience was clearly more challenging than her typical blockbuster fare.

The Aftermath: Embracing the Chaos

In retrospect, Lawrence seems to appreciate the experience, even if she couldn’t fully decode the narrative during the making of the film. While Aronofsky’s ambitious approach may have left Lawrence and many others confused, the film remains a bold and ambitious attempt to push the boundaries of psychological horror and cinema itself.

Lawrence’s willingness to be so candid about her own confusion underscores her down-to-earth and relatable nature. While she may not have fully understood Mother! at the time, her honesty and ability to laugh at herself only adds to the charm that has made her one of the most beloved actresses in Hollywood.

As she continues to take on diverse and complex roles, it’s clear that Lawrence’s career will keep pushing boundaries — even if, occasionally, she’s still left trying to figure out what exactly happened on screen.