‘Love Lies Bleeding’ Is A Thoroughly Thrilling Noir
Katy O’Brian and Kristen Stewart in ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ / Courtesy of A24
Rose Glass doesn’t pull any punches with this roid-rage inducing piece of exhilarating noir cinema. Gruesomely violent, intellectual, and sexy — a deadly combo that works.
Set in the morbid and dangerous New Mexico landscape in 1989, Lou (played by Kristen Stewart) is a mopey employee — maintaining a grimy gym in which bodybuilders pump iron for peak human physiques, while Lou also cleans up their disgusting toilet disasters left behind. Her world is turned upside-down when a new gym-goer signs up; Jackie (played by Katy O’Brian). From their first interaction, the mystery of Lou and her past slowly unravels throughout this tense thriller, while complexly intertwining her newly found lover in a world of crime and trauma.
Kristen Stewart gives an all-round great performance, convincingly playing a deeply layered, anxious, nicotine addict — yet again proving what an underrated actor she is. On the other hand, Katy O’Brian plays a posing-obsessed bodybuilder who does whatever it takes to reach fame and glory with her physique. O’Brian not only looks the part, but plays the part to perfection with rage-fuelled outbursts and intense close-ups — she’s certainly the highlight of the film.
The dialogue written by Rose Glass and Weronika Tofilska feels so fluid and natural for their respective characters, enhanced by every actor on screen. Casting Ed Harris as the antagonist, Lou Sr., is a stroke of genius. His uncomfortable and tediously psychotic behaviour glues you to his presence, and the unpredictability leaves lingering tension with every scene he’s in.
In a way, this feels like ‘Drive’ mixed with ‘Breaking Bad’ as far as aesthetics go.
This film has some jarring moments, outrageous moments, and moments where you think to yourself; “what the heck did I just see?” Regardless, this is certainly a tense thrill-ride that absolutely zips past its 104 minute runtime. Masterfully directed, Rose Glass’s latest film is one to experience in theatres.
Our score: ★★★★
(out of 5 stars)
“Love Lies Bleeding” specifics: Gym manager Lou falls for Jackie, a bodybuilder who is passing through town en route to a competition in Las Vegas.
CREW: Director: Rose Glass | Screenplay: Rose Glass, Weronika Tofilska | Cinematography: Ben Fordesman | Editor: Mark Towns | Music: Clint Mansell.
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, Dave Franco, Ed Harris.
PRODUCTION: A24, Film4, Escape Plan, Lobo Films.
DISTRIBUTION: A24, Lionsgate.
2024 - Thriller/Crime - 1h 44m
