A24 has been on a roll since the start of the decade, with more critical and box office successes than I’m willing to get into. 2024 is looking to continue that success with Rose Glass’ second-ever feature film. Glass was underground, but known mostly for the critical success of her debut feature, “Saint Maud” (2019).
Kristen Stewart hunkers down the lead role in this new film, with Katy O’Brian and Ed Harris also playing large roles. The creativity of Glass, stellar acting from the cast combined with that little bit of A24 flair, allowed for a never-before-seen queer, crime thriller experience (warning: review contains spoilers and content that may be upsetting to some readers).
“Love Lies Bleeding” was written by English director Glass and Weronika Tofilska, and set in 1989. Immediately, the audience can tell that the film is going to take viewers on a wild ride. Opening scenes show bizarre sequences, depicting what looks to be executions by firearm. The viewer is then taken to our two lead characters: Lou, a gym manager played by Kristen Stewart, and Jackie, an aspiring bodybuilder played by Katy O’Brian.
The theme of feminine empowerment is also rather apparent early on, as both lead characters are shown to be more than capable of defending themselves both physically and emotionally. Jackie swings on a man who inappropriately touches her, and Lou establishes herself as an authority figure through the gym she runs. Despite the similarities, the two act as perfect foils right off the bat. Both characters endure similar hardships, and to no surprise, have difficulty empathizing with the others’ issues. The two also become more connected than they thought when it is revealed Jackie started working for Lou’s father, who would eventually be revealed to be a drug lord, and has not been able to keep in contact with Lou since the disappearance of her mother.
In terms of visuals, there are a lot of very detailed sequences that both make you want to stare, and turn away. A scene depicting a murder is wildly graphic, with the effects team going the extra mile to depict a mangled face. Jackie ends up becoming addicted to steroids, which not only has a huge effect as it thematically toys with gender stereotypes and norms, but the viewer gets to see almost every time she shoots up, with over-the-top hyperbolized muscle growth to accompany. The drug usage is displayed per usual in film, at first being shown as a fun way to help Jackie prepare for her bodybuilding shows, until it eventually takes over, causing steroid rage which plays a major role in Jackie’s inevitable downfall.
The action scenes utilize shock factor and subversion of expectations to add to the experience. Most of the violence is depicted in a very apparent nod to Quentin Tarantino, with a lax use of gore. There are also events that are not possible in the real world, such as the resolution during the climax of the film, as Jackie is seen growing to about 50 feet tall and helps Lou take down her father. Jackie’s superhuman growth can be interpreted in many different ways, perhaps her being freed from her insecurities. The final scene before a brief epilogue depicts the two, now both giant-sized, running through the clouds.
“Love Lies Bleeding” is a daring film, and while it may have a target demographic, it still succeeds in telling its story. Glass has likely garnered herself a more secure role in the film industry, and avid film viewers should remain on the lookout for her next release.