The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones

Year: 2009

Runtime: 136 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Jackson

DramaThrillerFantasy

As Susie Salmon's spirit floats between worlds, she witnesses the devastating aftermath of her own brutal murder. Her grief-stricken family, including her father (Mark Wahlberg) and mother (Rachel Weisz), struggle to cope with their loss, while Susie's killer (Stanley Tucci) walks free. Caught between seeking justice and guiding her loved ones towards healing, Susie must find a way to move forward.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Lovely Bones yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Lovely Bones (2009)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Lovely Bones (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1973

The film is set in 1973, a time characterized by social upheaval, particularly concerning issues around safety and crime. This era reflects a growing awareness of personal safety, particularly for children, as the film delves into darker themes of abduction and murder, overshadowing the innocence of youth.

Location

Cornfield, Underground Hideout, California

The story unfolds in a small town depicted through its eerie cornfields, which serve as a backdrop for Susie's tragic encounter. The underground hideout, crafted by George Harvey, is a chilling representation of concealment and danger, amplifying the horror of Susie's abduction. California becomes a symbol of escape as Abigail seeks refuge with her mother, providing a contrasting sense of place amidst the turmoil.

🏞️ Nature 🏚️ Mystery 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:58

Main Characters – The Lovely Bones (2009)
Meet the key characters of The Lovely Bones (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan)

Susie is a 14-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a photographer, representing innocence abruptly shattered by tragedy. Her character embodies the struggle between youthful aspirations and the harsh realities of life and death. In the afterlife, she showcases a strong will to remain connected to her family, demonstrating resilience in the face of despair.

👧 Young 📸 Dreamer 🕊️ Innocent

George Harvey (Mark Wahlberg)

George is the film's antagonist, a deceptive and sinister figure who preys on Susie's innocence. His character is marked by a facade of normalcy, masking a history of malevolence and violence that culminates in Susie's tragic fate. He serves as a chilling reminder of the darker undercurrents of humanity lurking beneath the surface.

🧑‍🌾 Villain 🔪 Dangerous 🌫️ Deceptive

Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz)

Abigail is Susie's mother, grappling with the overwhelming grief of losing her daughter. Her character showcases the fragility of family dynamics under duress, as she confronts inner demons and external pressures. Her journey illustrates the struggle for healing and acceptance, embodying the desperate yearning for closure.

👩‍👧 Grieving 💔 Mother 🌪️ Struggling

Jack Salmon (Mark Wahlberg)

Jack is Susie's devoted father, portrayed as a relentless seeker of truth in the aftermath of his daughter's disappearance. His character reflects the protective instincts of a parent while wrestling with isolation and helplessness. Jack's journey symbolizes a father's love and the lengths one will go to seek justice.

👨‍👧 Protector 🏃‍♂️ Determined 💥 Devastated

Ruth Connors (Rachel Weisz)

Ruth serves as a pivotal character who connects Susie's world to the afterlife. Portrayed as a classmate, she becomes entangled in Susie's desperate attempts to communicate, highlighting themes of connection and vulnerability. Her character illustrates the impact of tragedy on young lives, as she grapples with Susie's haunting presence.

🧚‍♀️ Connected 🙍‍♀️ Classmate 🕯️ Sensitive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:58

Major Themes – The Lovely Bones (2009)
Explore the central themes of The Lovely Bones (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Afterlife

The theme of the afterlife permeates the film, as Susie navigates the In-Between, a realm where she witnesses her family's grief. Her journey explores themes of unfinished business and the bonds that tie loved ones together, culminating in her eventual acceptance of her fate. The contrast of her idyllic afterlife against the tragic realities faced by her family emphasizes the emotional weight of loss.

🔍 Investigation

The investigation into Susie's disappearance highlights themes of determination and the struggle for justice. Jack and Detective Fenerman's relentless pursuit of the truth showcases the lengths one will go to protect family. This theme underscores the complexities of grief as they grapple with the shadows of doubt and suspicion surrounding their community.

💔 Loss

Loss is a central theme in the narrative, explored through the eyes of Susie's family as they cope with her murder. Each character experiences a profound sense of emptiness, altering their dynamics and relationships. The film poignantly illustrates how grief can fracture a family while simultaneously emphasizing the resilience of love and memory.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:58

Explore More About Movie The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones (2009) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Lovely Bones (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline