The story follows the intense friendship between Pauline and Juliet, two intelligent but socially isolated teenage girls who form a deep and obsessive bond. They create a rich fantasy world called Borovnia, populated with imaginary royalty and romantic figures. Their shared creativity strengthens their connection but also isolates them further from their families and society.

When Juliet’s parents plan to separate, threatening to send her away, the girls become desperate to stay together. Pauline’s mother, Honora (Sarah Peirse), disapproves of their relationship and forbids them from seeing each other. Convinced that Honora is the main obstacle to their happiness, the girls conspire to murder her. In a chillingly premeditated act, they lure her to a secluded park and bludgeon her to death with a brick.

The film blends psychological drama with fantasy sequences that bring the girls’ imagined world to life, creating a visually stunning yet disturbing contrast between their dreams and reality. Jackson’s direction, combined with Fran Walsh’s screenplay, captures the intensity of adolescent obsession and the dangers of unchecked delusion.

Heavenly Creatures received critical acclaim for its performances, particularly Lynskey and Winslet’s portrayals of the girls’ complex relationship. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and is considered a landmark in New Zealand cinema. The film explores themes of fantasy, mental illness, repression, and the consequences of destructive love, making it a haunting and unforgettable viewing experience.