Jennifer Lawrence’s Excellent Cadaver: A New Chapter of Advocacy and Artistic Collaboration

Jennifer Lawrence has long been one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, known for her powerful performances in films like The Hunger Games series and Silver Linings Playbook. But in recent years, Lawrence has taken a bold step to expand her creative and professional horizons, shifting from the role of actress to producer. In 2018, she founded Excellent Cadaver, a production company that has marked a new chapter in her career—one focused on creating films that address pressing social issues and foster meaningful discussions. This pivot underscores her commitment to using her platform to advocate for change in the film industry and beyond.

Excellent Cadaver: Foundations and Focus

Excellent Cadaver was born out of Lawrence’s desire to produce films that not only challenge the status quo but also speak to deeper societal concerns. She founded the company in 2018 with producing partner Justine Ciarrocchi. The company quickly secured a first-look deal with Makeready, led by Brad Weston and Pam Abdy. This arrangement provided Lawrence with the creative freedom to develop projects independently, financed through Makeready’s partnerships with Universal Pictures and Entertainment One.

The name “Excellent Cadaver” itself has sparked interest, with some speculating it may be a nod to the 1999 HBO film The Sopranos, but there’s been no official confirmation. Despite the mystery behind the name, the projects the company has produced are anything but enigmatic. Excellent Cadaver’s portfolio has ranged from emotionally poignant dramas to hard-hitting documentaries, with a distinct focus on social issues. Among the standout projects are Causeway (2022), No Hard Feelings (2023), Bread and Roses (2023), and the highly anticipated Die, My Love (2025).

Collaborations with Lynne Ramsay and Martin Scorsese

One of the key projects to come out of Excellent Cadaver is Die, My Love (2025), a psychological dark comedy-drama directed by Lynne Ramsay. The film is based on Ariana Harwicz’s 2017 novel and explores themes of mental health, postpartum depression, and psychosis. Lawrence not only stars in the film but also serves as a producer, signaling her growing influence behind the scenes.

Ramsay, known for her intense and visually captivating films like We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) and You Were Never Really Here (2017), brings a distinct aesthetic to Die, My Love. The film, which takes place in the US (a departure from the novel’s French setting), was shot in Calgary, Canada, using 35mm film and a 1.33:1 Academy ratio. The decision to shoot in this format and style was heavily influenced by the works of Roman Polanski, particularly Repulsion (1965) and Rosemary’s Baby (1968).

What further elevates Die, My Love is the involvement of legendary producer Martin Scorsese. Scorsese, who came across the novel in his book club, saw potential in the material and sent it to Lawrence’s production company. He quickly envisioned her in the lead role and came on board as a producer through his company, Sikelia Productions. The film’s all-star cast includes Robert Pattinson, LaKeith Stanfield, Sissy Spacek, and Nick Nolte, while Seamus McGarvey’s cinematography and Toni Froschhammer’s editing enhance its raw emotional impact. Die, My Love premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, where it earned critical acclaim, including a six-minute standing ovation. With a distribution deal from Mubi worth $24 million, the film will receive a wide theatrical release in the U.S.

This collaboration with two of the industry’s most respected filmmakers speaks volumes about Lawrence’s growing stature not just as an actress, but as a producer who is involved in projects that matter.

Career Shift: Meaningful, Issue-Driven Films

Jennifer Lawrence’s transition into producing films that focus on social issues has been one of the defining shifts in her career. While she’s no stranger to critical success, her decision to focus on meaningful, issue-driven films marks a deliberate departure from her blockbuster roles. Through Excellent Cadaver, Lawrence has made it clear that she is interested in stories that push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking while sparking dialogue on important societal issues.

Two of her most significant projects in this regard are Bread and Roses (2023) and Zurawski v Texas (2024), both of which tackle urgent global concerns.

Bread and Roses is a documentary that highlights the plight of Afghan women under the Taliban’s rule. Premiering at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the film is a poignant and harrowing look at the systemic oppression faced by women in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of giving these women a voice in the face of severe adversity.

Zurawski v Texas (2024), on the other hand, is a powerful documentary exploring the contentious issue of abortion rights in the U.S. Executive produced by Lawrence, the film features interviews with prominent figures such as Chelsea and Hillary Clinton. It was officially premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival in August 2024, shedding light on the ongoing battle over reproductive rights in America.

Meanwhile, Die, My Love (2025) promises to delve into the mental health challenges that many women face, particularly in the context of motherhood. The film is being hailed as a brave exploration of postpartum depression and psychosis, offering a rare, honest depiction of the psychological toll that new mothers can experience.

Conclusion

Jennifer Lawrence’s Excellent Cadaver is far more than just a production company; it is a platform for creating meaningful, socially relevant films that explore critical issues with nuance and sensitivity. Her collaborations with celebrated filmmakers like Lynne Ramsay and Martin Scorsese are a testament to her evolving role as a producer who is committed to addressing complex themes. As Lawrence continues to shift her focus toward projects that promote social change, she solidifies her legacy not only as a talented actress but also as a leading advocate for storytelling that drives conversation and, ultimately, progress.