Love, Lies, Bleeding
Love Lies Bleeding is a gripping tale of lust, queer identity, violence, murder, steroids, and contempt, masterfully directed by Rose Glass. It offers a visceral and compelling experience reminiscent of a midnight movie, though it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Glass skillfully subverts the crime thriller formula, particularly by queering it up with two femme fatales who defy the standard film noir archetype. Kristen Stewart delivers a captivating performance alongside Katy O'Brian, whose physical presence adds to the intensity of the narrative. This film is an explosive concoction of character-driven storytelling, guaranteed to be among the year's best. It's both charming and shocking, drawing viewers in at a primal level. I could feel the injections and hear the blood rush through their veins; the editing and theater experience combined offered an intimate experience that was definitely preferred for this plot.
The story revolves around Lou and Jackie, whose whirlwind romance unfolds in a small, fading New Mexico town circa 1989. Jackie, a formidable bodybuilder bound for a national competition in Las Vegas, uses her strength to assert dominance and fulfill her desires. Meanwhile, Lou, the daughter of the town's crime boss, struggles to break free from her father's control and protect her sister Beth from her abusive husband, JJ. The film explores the collision of love and desire, portraying the inner conflicts of strong-willed individuals driven by their own needs and obligations, whether it's a father's distorted sense of love, a bodybuilder's quest for strength, or a lover entangled in a web of responsibilities.
Ratings: 9.7/10
This movie is not what I expected, but it was great! The trailers made it seem more digestible to the general public and while the film is fantastic, I do think it is more niche than others would assume. I think if you like movies, you won’t have an issue. If you are sensitive to visually graphic or disturbing content, read some more helpful reviews before purchasing your ticket. Seeing it in theaters helped, but this is a movie that I, personally, will have on repeat (but I also could stare at Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian for HOURS).
