Love Lies Bleeding (2024) – A Queer Romantic Drama Set in the 1980s with Kristen Stewart in the lead

“Love Lies Bleeding,” a riveting queer romantic drama set against the backdrop of the 1980s and masterfully brought to life by the visionary Rose Glass, weaves a complex narrative brimming with murder, revenge, and intense passion.

At its heart, the film delves into the magnetic connection between Lou, portrayed with depth and nuance by Kirsten Stewart, and Jackie, brought to vivid life by the talented Katy O’Brian. Lou, a diligent gym manager, and Jackie, a dedicated bodybuilder, collide unexpectedly, sparking a passionate romance that consumes them both. Their love is electric, but it’s fraught with challenges that threaten to tear them apart.

As their relationship blossoms, Lou becomes entangled in Jackie’s world, even assisting her in preparation for a crucial bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas. However, their lives take a dark turn following a seemingly innocuous family dinner with Lou’s sister, Beth, portrayed by the versatile Jena Malone, and her husband, JJ, played by the charismatic Dave Franco. The introduction of Lou’s father, the enigmatic and shadowy Lou Sr., portrayed with gravitas by Ed Harris, adds further layers of complexity to their already tumultuous situation.

Caught in a web of deceit and danger, Lou and Jackie are compelled to confront the repercussions of their actions as they navigate the aftermath of a shocking event. With the specter of a dead body looming over them, they must devise a plan to evade the law and safeguard their love from crumbling under the weight of their secrets.

“Love Lies Bleeding” emerges as a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and survival, where moral boundaries blur and the stakes soar to dizzying heights. As tensions escalate and loyalties are tested, Lou and Jackie must confront their inner demons and fight for a future together, even as the world threatens to tear them asunder.

What distinguishes “Love Lies Bleeding” is not only its captivating plot but also the sheer talent driving its creation. Director Rose Glass and screenwriter Weronika Tofilska craft a narrative anchored by two fiercely loving characters who defy societal conventions and expectations.

While the film excels in portraying the intensity of Lou and Jackie’s relationship, there are instances where the story stumbles, leaving certain plot threads underdeveloped despite earlier hints. Nonetheless, Glass’s direction, paired with Ben Fordesman’s breathtaking cinematography, ensures a visually arresting experience. Through meticulously chosen close-ups, spellbinding slow-motion sequences, and evocative lighting, the film conjures a dreamlike ambiance that immerses viewers in its world.

The infusion of dark humor, expertly delivered by the stellar cast, injects vitality into the narrative, particularly in the latter half of the film. Kristen Stewart delivers a poignant performance as Lou, a solitary figure grappling with familial estrangement until Jackie enters her life, offering a newfound sense of purpose. However, it’s Katy O’Brian’s portrayal of Jackie that truly dazzles, as her character undergoes profound growth and transformation throughout the narrative, eliciting empathy from audiences.

The supporting cast, including Ed Harris’s portrayal of the nefarious Lou Sr., Jena Malone’s portrayal of Lou’s sister Beth, and even Anna Baryshnikov’s portrayal of the seemingly superficial Daisy, leave an indelible mark on viewers.

Despite its strengths, “Love Lies Bleeding” occasionally grapples with maintaining cohesion as it traverses multiple genres. There are moments when the narrative veers into unexpected territories, such as during the bodybuilding competition, prompting questions about its trajectory. However, when the film returns to its roots as a crime thriller with romantic underpinnings, it recaptures its momentum, driven by the palpable chemistry between Stewart and O’Brian.

In essence, the title “Love Lies Bleeding” proves fitting, encapsulating the multifaceted nature of the film’s themes and characters. It’s a story of love’s triumphs and tribulations, where passion and peril intertwine to craft an enthralling and unforgettable tale.