Jennifer Lawrence Reflects on the “Unhealthy” Toll of Filming Mother!: A Deep Dive into the Psychological Impact

Jennifer Lawrence’s role in Darren Aronofsky’s 2017 psychological thriller Mother! pushed her to emotional and physical extremes, leaving a profound impact on her mental well-being. In candid interviews, Lawrence has described the filming experience as “unhealthy,” shedding light on the intense challenges she faced during production and its lasting effects.

A Demanding Role in a Complex Film

Mother! is an allegorical thriller where Lawrence plays an unnamed protagonist whose peaceful domestic life spirals into chaos with the arrival of mysterious guests. The film’s emotionally charged narrative required Lawrence to navigate a labyrinth of psychological tension and physical strain, demanding a level of immersion few roles require.

During filming, Lawrence openly admitted that she struggled to grasp the film’s complicated plot, rating her understanding as “4-5 out of totally confused” in a 2025 interview with LADbible. This lack of clarity added to the pressure of portraying such a layered character, intensifying the difficulty of the shoot.

Physical and Emotional Strain

The physical demands intertwined closely with the mental toll. In one notably harrowing scene, Lawrence dislocated a rib and tore her diaphragm, injuries that underscore the physical cost of such intense filmmaking. This overlap of bodily injury and emotional distress highlights how deeply the role affected her holistic well-being.

Strained On-Set Relationships

Adding to the challenge was the personal dynamic between Lawrence and director Darren Aronofsky, who were romantically involved during production. Lawrence described the promotional period and review process as “not healthy,” illustrating how the stresses of work and personal life compounded the strain.

Broader Context: Mental Health and Acting

Lawrence’s experience on Mother! is part of a broader pattern of mental health challenges faced during demanding roles. She has previously spoken about struggling with control and seeking therapy after other intense projects such as The Poker House and The Hunger Games. These experiences underscore the reality that psychologically taxing roles can leave lasting impressions beyond the screen.

Her openness about these struggles arrives amid a growing industry conversation about mental health, particularly for actors undertaking emotionally taxing performances. Lawrence’s engagement with such topics continues in her more recent work, including Die, My Love, reflecting a deepening awareness and advocacy.

Conclusion

Jennifer Lawrence’s reflections on Mother! reveal the formidable emotional and physical toll that immersive, psychologically intense roles can exact. Describing the experience as “unhealthy,” she offers a candid look into the complexities of acting under extreme conditions. Her journey not only underscores the demands placed on actors but also contributes to a vital dialogue about mental health in the entertainment industry.