The Lovely Bones Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dead girl watches her family fall apart and a serial killer keep killing, but everything is okay because heaven is like a screensaver from Windows 98.

🍿 The Lovely Bones: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Susie and Her World

In 1973 Pennsylvania, 14-year-old Susie Salmon dreams of becoming a wildlife photographer and experiences her first crush. Her life seems idyllic, filled with loving family and burgeoning romance. However, lurking in the shadows is her neighbor, George Harvey, a seemingly ordinary man with a sinister secret.

The Murder and Susie’s Limbo

Susie is lured into a hidden underground room built by Harvey, where she is murdered. Unable to move on, Susie finds herself in a personal ‘in-between’ space, a limbo between Earth and Heaven. From here, she watches her family grapple with their grief and her killer evade justice.

Family Struggles and Investigation

The Salmon family crumbles under the weight of Susie’s disappearance. Her father, Jack, becomes obsessed with finding the killer, alienating his wife, Abigail, who eventually leaves. Susie’s sister, Lindsey, grows suspicious of Harvey and begins her own investigation. Susie, in her limbo, tries to guide them, but her influence is limited.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan): A murdered fourteen-year-old girl who watches her family and killer from the in-between, a realm between Earth and Heaven.
• George Harvey (Stanley Tucci): A meticulous and unsettling serial killer who murders Susie and evades justice for his heinous crimes.
• Jack Salmon (Mark Wahlberg): Susie’s grief-stricken father who becomes obsessed with finding her killer and struggles to cope with her loss.
• Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz): Susie’s mother who is unable to cope with her daughter’s death and leaves her family to find peace.
• Lindsey Salmon (Rose McIver): Susie’s younger sister who becomes determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s disappearance.
• Grandma Lynn (Susan Sarandon): The flamboyant and unconventional grandmother who comes to help the Salmon family cope with their loss.
• Ruth Connors (Carolyn Dando): An enigmatic and intuitive girl who has a connection to the spiritual world and Susie’s presence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Susie Salmon: “My name is Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was 14 when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.” – This opening line immediately sets the stage, introducing Susie and the tragic event that defines the story.
• Susie Salmon: “I was here for a moment. And then I was gone. I wish you all a long and happy life.” – Susie’s closing words offer a poignant farewell and a wish for the happiness of those still living.
• Abigail Salmon: “I love you, Susie.” – Whispered by Susie’s mother as she finally enters her daughter’s room, acknowledging her grief and love.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $65,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $44,114,232
• Worldwide Gross: $93,621,340

💥 The Lovely Bones Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘The Lovely Bones’ years ago and being completely captivated by the visual world Peter Jackson created. The scenes in Susie’s in-between space were so imaginative and unique. The acting from Saoirse Ronan and Stanley Tucci was phenomenal too! The scene where Lindsey breaks into Harvey’s house made me nervous, like I was there with her. I know it deviates from the book, but I still found it a touching, if flawed, film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about grief and healing”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films”
  • “Fans of the novel by Alice Sebold”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Deals with the murder of a child”
  • “Contains thematic elements of sexual abuse”
  • “May be emotionally disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Peter Jackson’s visually ambitious adaptation of Alice Sebold’s novel is ultimately undone by its muddled storytelling and tonal inconsistencies. While the performances are commendable, the film struggles to balance its dark subject matter with fantastical elements, leaving viewers emotionally detached.
• IMDb: “The Lovely Bones is a visually stunning but emotionally uneven film. Saoirse Ronan delivers a compelling performance, and Stanley Tucci is chilling as the antagonist. However, the film’s pacing and narrative choices detract from its overall impact, resulting in a somewhat disjointed viewing experience.
• Metacritic: “Critics generally agree that The Lovely Bones is a flawed adaptation of a beloved novel. Despite strong performances from the cast, the film’s excessive reliance on CGI and its failure to fully explore the emotional depth of the source material hinder its success.

Audience Reactions

Visually stunning and haunting.: Viewers praised the film’s beautiful visuals, particularly the depiction of Susie’s afterlife.

Strong performances from the cast.: Many appreciated the acting, especially Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of Susie and Stanley Tucci’s chilling performance as George Harvey.

Overall Consensus: Despite its visual appeal and strong performances, ‘The Lovely Bones’ is often considered a flawed adaptation that struggles to capture the emotional depth and narrative complexity of the source material.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 2010

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Saoirse Ronan was cast as Susie Salmon based solely on an audition tape she sent in; no further meetings or auditions were required.”
• “Ryan Gosling was originally cast as Jack Salmon but was replaced by Mark Wahlberg shortly before filming began due to creative differences with Peter Jackson about how the character should be portrayed.”
• “Many of the scenes depicting Susie’s ‘in-between’ world were created using extensive CGI, aiming to capture the emotional state of a 14-year-old girl in the afterlife.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Lovely Bones?

The Lovely Bones is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Lovely Bones, you might like these similar films:

• What Dreams May Come (1998): Deals with similar themes of love, loss, and the afterlife, exploring the visual and emotional landscape of existence beyond death.
• Heavenly Creatures (1994): Another Peter Jackson film that deals with teenage girls and the fragility of life and death, showcasing his earlier style and thematic interests.
• Changeling (2008): A mother’s desperate search for her missing child in the face of police corruption.
• Ghost (1990): Features a protagonist who remains as a ghost to protect their loved ones from beyond the grave, sharing elements of supernatural connection and unfinished business.

🛒 The Lovely Bones Related Products

• The Lovely Bones (Paperback): Alice Sebold’s haunting novel delves deep into themes of loss, grief, and the power of connection. A must-read for fans of the movie, offering a more comprehensive exploration of the story.
• The Lovely Bones: Peter Jackson Movie Tie-in Edition [Blu-ray]: Experience Peter Jackson’s visually stunning adaptation in high definition. The Blu-ray includes bonus features, offering insights into the making of the film and its special effects.
• Ship in a Bottle Kit: A kit containing the parts and tools required to create a ship in a bottle. Captures Jack’s hobby.
• Dollhouse Miniature Furniture Set: A miniature set of dollhouse furniture. It has a similar feel to the serial killer George Harvey.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Lovely Bones features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “1/1” – performed by Brian Eno

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

She destroyed a man’s life

Ever wonder about the real story behind ‘The Lovely Bones’? This video takes a deep dive into the shocking case of wrongful conviction and unravels the truth. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as justice is finally served.

‘The Lovely Bones’ Author Apologizes to Wrongly Convicted Man

Get the latest on the ‘The Lovely Bones’ story! Watch as the author publicly apologizes for her involvement in a wrongful conviction. This video sheds light on the impact of the case and the ongoing fight for justice.

Saoirse Ronan talks about The Lovely Bones

Curious about what went on behind the scenes of ‘The Lovely Bones’? Join Saoirse Ronan as she shares her thoughts, feelings, and experiences from filming this powerful movie. Don’t miss her take on Susie Salmon and the journey of grief and healing.

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