The Lovely Bones, based on Alice Sebold’s 2002 novel, is a heart-wrenching story of a father’s love for his child and the lengths at which one will go to find justice. Director Peter Jackson does an immaculate job of adapting Sebold’s story to the big screen.

The story is narrated by 14-year-old Susie Salmon (Ronan), who is raped and murdered by her neighbour George Harvey (Tucci). Following her death Susie watches, from the “in-between world,” her family fall apart as her father (Wahlberg) searches for her murderer.

BETWIXT AND BETWEEN. Susie Salmon is trapped in the “in-between world” as she watches her family find closure for her murder.

The entire cast is phenomenal. Ronan, an up-and-coming star, plays Susie astonishingly well. Tucci does an outstanding job as the murderous neighbour, his character complete with a creepy moustache and frightening stare. Sarandon adds some much needed humour to the film as quirky Grandma Lynn, who comes to take care of the family after Susie’s murder.

The film takes place in two different worlds — one being the Salmon family’s reality as they attempt to cope with the death of Susie, the other being Susie’s in-between world, which is the place Susie goes before heaven while her family searches for closure. The use of visual effects depicts the divide between reality and the in-between world to enhance the film. Reality is depicted as dark and grimy while limbo is bright and wonderful.

Adapting a bestselling book to film is a risky feat many directors fail to do well, but Jackson pulled it off seamlessly.

The combination of an intriguing storyline, amazing acting and unique visual affects makes The Lovely Bones a must-see film.