Lynne Ramsay Reveals the Modern Masterpiece That Shaped Her Vision

Lynne Ramsay’s journey from Scottish indie films to larger-scale American projects has never shifted her focus from the inner lives of her characters. Her latest film, Die, My Love, dives into the harrowing experience of a woman battling postpartum depression and psychosis. The story’s raw portrayal of a descent into chaos leaves viewers with a lingering sense of unease. This exploration of motherhood’s complexities is just one thread in Ramsay’s body of work, which often centers on themes of grief, guilt, and the search for meaning.

Before Die, My Love, Ramsay examined a mother ’s struggle to come to terms with her son’s violent actions in We Need To Talk About Kevin. Earlier, she captured the unpredictable nature of mourning in Morvern Callar, a film anchored by Samantha Morton’s haunting performance. Across her films, Ramsay consistently highlights the female experience, the pain of loss, and the quest for understanding and belonging. She brings the harshness of daily life to the screen, but without the melodrama often found in Hollywood. Instead, her approach is subtle yet powerful, as seen in the opening of Morvern Callar, where the main character quietly processes her boyfriend’s death on Christmas Day, lying beside him in silence as the holiday lights flicker.

Influences and Inspirations

Throughout her career, Ramsay has drawn inspiration from the gritty realism of directors like Alan Clarke and Tony Richardson. She’s also been influenced by international auteurs such as Ingmar Bergman, Agnès Varda, and Lina Wertmüller. Yet, her creative influences aren’t limited to the past. She has openly praised a more recent film that left a profound mark on her approach to storytelling.

Ramsay has spoken with admiration about Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar- winning Roma, calling it a “modern classic” and a technical marvel. She was especially struck by how the film transforms the everyday lives and pivotal moments of two women into an immersive cinematic experience.

The sound and image make you feel you’re inside it, experiencing her [Cleo]. Virtual reality, but more emotional. Incredible on the big screen. If you have to see it smaller with the best sound system.

Roma’s Lasting Impact

When Roma debuted in 2018, it quickly earned critical acclaim for its intimate portrayal of a housekeeper living with a wealthy family in early 1970s Mexico City. The film explores themes of class, identity, and the social divides that shape human experience. Cuarón’s work is filled with nostalgia and affection, which helped it become a major contender during awards season.

Ramsay was deeply moved by the film’s attention to detail and emotional resonance.

A modern classic, a rarity now. Technically unmatched. Every detail and moment, so considered but feel just happened upon. So many scenes remain indelibly seared on the brain, the surrealism of life, the connections, horror, humour and beauty.

She found inspiration in how Roma explores grief and gender, themes she often returns to in her own films.

Reminding what a movie can (still) do really inspired me.