Love Lies Bleeding (2024): A Mesmerizing and Bold Thriller

I’d prefer to know my own strength.

After a sweaty workout session, Love Lies Bleeding appeared in theaters in 2024. Gym manager, Lou, and bodybuilder, Jackie fall in love. Unbeknownst to Lou, she becomes entangled in this murder plot driven by Jackie’s obsession with strength and control.

I have been waiting a while to see Love Lies Bleeding and avoided reviews as much as possible. Both surprised and perplexed, Love Lies Bleeding distinguishes a unique take on the thriller genre. We have the power over our strengths, but what does that say about our mental well-being?

Kristen Stewart’s journey as an actress has been an evolution of incredible growth and impressive range. In the past, I didn’t like Stewart, but you always need to give actors a second chance. This film reveals a profound depth of Stewart that has been overlooked.

Stewart was always the first choice to play Lou, a character haunted by past traumas. She gives one heck of a performance, embodying Lou’s loyalty and protective nature. I like that about her. Stewart’s emotional performance is strong, mixing subtle and intense emotions.

Opposite of Stewart is Katy O’Brian as Jackie. Like her character, O’Brian used to be a competitive bodybuilder. Jackie’s story is a bit of an enigma. She has immense strength, but it’s implied that she has mental issues. She doesn’t recall significant moments and has hallucinations related to her body. More needed to be explored about her character.

Stewart and O’Brian accomplished their character’s romantic chemistry. Their dynamic is charged with an intensity that drives much of the film’s suspense. Lou and Jackie’s relationship is an important part of the story as they discover the need to trust one another like never before.

I had no idea that Ed Harris was Lou Sr. until the credits! He is unrecognizable and it’s rare to see him in a villainous role, like this. The hair extensions were his own idea. More credits include Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, and Dave Franco. Daisy (Baryshnikov) was the comic levity from the film’s dark angle.

Rose Glass’s direction, especially for her second film is impeccable. Glass blends psychological romance, murder, and a story of strength. Not many films have a bodybuilding theme. Storylines like these are rare to come by and it's achieved differently in Love Lies Bleeding.

The film’s message is confusing but my takeaway is that you should take caution over your strength. When it comes to our bodies, we have several internal thoughts, whether positive or negative. Know what you can handle and look out for yourself. In Jackie’s case, don’t obsess over competitive nature.

The technical work for this film is meticulous, paying close mind to the mood. The film’s visual aesthetic creates an immersive experience highlighted with tension. Edited with quick shots and effective scene transitions, the sense of dread is amplified in every sequence.

The color red is significant. It signifies dark moments and subtle evil. The screen tints red in key scenes, often signaling danger and the character’s vulnerability.

The film earned erupting applause when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. I liked the film, but it was still deciding what it wanted to be. Was it trailing a psychological route? The ending is so bizarre that it feels like someone's fever-high idea.

Love Lies Bleeding is a distinct film that has lingered on my mind. It’s a bold story with several twists and one moment that made my jaw drop. It is worth a watch for its complex themes, phenomenal performances, and LGBTQ representation. Find it on HBO.