Love Lies Bleeding

Love Lies Bleeding Movie Review Rating:

Star Cast: Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov

Director: Rose Glass

What’s Good: The performances, the love story and the oddity in narrative

What’s Bad: That it will be uncensored for the audience.

Loo Break: If extreme graphic scenes disturb you, run to the washroom!

Watch or Not?: Yes

Language: English

Available On: Theatrical release

Runtime: 104 Minutes

User Rating:

In 1989, gym manager Lou, played by Kristen Stewart, meets Jackie, a budding bodybuilder, played by Katie O’Brian. Their love grows, and they can’t get enough of each other. However, things go downhill as Lou and Jackie resort to extreme measures in their conflicts, both for and against one another.

Love Lies Bleeding Movie Review: Script Analysis

Rose Glass and Weronika Tofilska have penned an eccentric love story that often startles you. The passionate romance and series of unfortunate and violent events keep you intrigued. You would think this queer love story would make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, after seeing the upbeat beginning of Lou and Jackie’s romance. However, you’re instead treated to plenty of WTF moments caused by external factors, such as Lou Sr.’s abusive brother-in-law and Godfather-style father Lou.

Lou, played by Kristen Stewart, is utterly charmed by Jackie as she casually flexes her muscles. Katy O’Brian is really stunning, whether she’s working out or is in a violent rage. Lou represents us viewers, who are in disbelief and trying to process the chaos happening on screen. At the press screening, we got to see the uncensored version, which indeed strengthens the storytelling.

For such an odd story of twisted love, every scene—from the most intimate scenes to the most explicit ones involving blood—leaves an unforgettable impression. What makes Love Lies Bleeding a thrilling watch is its unpredictable nature and the inclusion of subtle absurdity. This indicates that the creators were willing to take a huge risk to give us a tale in which insanity has no limits.

Love Lies Bleeding Movie Review: Star Performance

Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Lou is really compelling. Being the sole observer of all the bizarre events unfolding around her forces her to portray a wide range of emotions. Kristen does an excellent job juggling the same – whether it’s showing her intense love for Jackie and her willingness to do anything to save her or the dilemma and courage required her to stand up to her dad. Muscles, biceps, crushing veins, fantasies, and a deadly fit mesmerise you as Katy O’Brian enters the frame. Katy perfectly portrays Jackie’s bewildering and erratic personality. She packs such powerful punches that sometimes you wonder if she’s even a human!

The rest of the cast does a brilliant job, too.