'The Lovely Bones'—A Movie Review

A photo captures a moment before it is gone. Susie Salmon left an impact with her poetic language after a very dark end that could have been avoided.

Based on the 2002 chilling novel of the same name written by Alice Sebold The Lovely Bones is about Susie Salmon, a victim of rape, who is stuck in an in-between world as her family grieves her loss. Amongst their sadness, the murderer only lives a few feet from their dwelling as he ponders his next victim.

I have never read the novel, but I believe that the 2009 film successfully captures the story in emotionally compelling scenes brought forward by phenomenal actors. I even read that a few scenes were toned down or not added at all because of their dark, and very descriptive details. I am satisfied with the finished product as it sent chills up my spine.

Saoirse Ronan stars as Susie. Definitely a great pick as Ronan has performed compelling characters who expresses herself with only her face and captivating language. Ronan is also an Irish actress who speaks in an American accent just for this film. No other actress could have played this part like Ronan.

In the absolutely chilling, gut-wrenching role of the murderer, Stanley Tucci definitely outdid himself. Even he did not feel comfortable in the role of George Harvey. Tucci completely changed his makeover to be this dark role even wearing false teeth and blue contact lenses framed by predatorial appearing glasses completing his dark glassy eyes protruding through your skin. Anytime he appeared instantly made me recoil. And he was only on my TV screen!

The cinematography and direction were brought about carefully to elevate suspense easily causing viewers to subconsciously hold their breaths in anticipation. The most remarkable, but eerily bone-chilling scene is when Susie is invited into the trap of an underground lair holding child appealing treasures such as trinkets, figurines and a bobble-head that foreshadowed the inevitable danger lurking right in front of Susie.

The Lovely Bones is an eye-opening lesson about the dangers of strangers. The images will definitely haunt your mind and ask the important question, ‘why?’ It’s unfair but nobody should get their hopes up too easily. Life is life. Susie even tries to contact her family even in her ghostly form.

However, the film does allow you to take a breath and share a needed laugh. Other notable actors who appear in Lovely Bones are Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Rose McIver, and the memorable Susan Sarandon as Susie’s comedic Grandmother. Sarandon saves viewers from the chills to sport a laugh amongst drinking her needed medicine and, at times, helpful advice.

As Susie is trapped in the "in between" world the film creatively builds a world that is inviting and not so promising. I really liked all the colorful visuals making normally inanimate objects look so real. Examples include trees, ships a bottle, and the wind.

Stories are only words on a page. Readers imagine a plethora of unique worlds just from powerful, and often complex, language. Director Peter Jackson delicately handled this dark, and heavy material created a memorable film and an experiment on the world of heaven.

The Lovely Bones is definitely not for everyone. Many triggers which are never outright stated, but only heavily implied through visuals will turn away viewers, especially about rape, murder, and child molestation.

Although a tough film to watch, I enjoyed the powerful, and yet eerie narration delivered by Ronan. The film is wonderful adaption from the novel which rightfully cuts out dark material. It would have made the movie more distressful. Hopefully, viewers will learn the consequences of strangers. Don’t ever approach. Just run.